Islamabad, Oct 7 (IANS): The Pakistan Navy's collaboration with the international community has reflected its commitment for global peace and stability in the region and beyond, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said.

Speaking at the farewell dinner for outgoing naval chief Admiral Nauman Bashir here, Gilani said Pakistan's collaboration has been necessitated by global problems of terrorism, piracy, smuggling and other crimes warranting a collective approach to deal with these menaces.

It is heartening that the efforts of Pakistan Navy in this regard have been acknowledged at the international level, he said, adding the navy has always responded with promptness whenever any natural calamity struck.

"The age we are living in today is characterized by complex and rapidly evolving geo-strategic changes on the global political and security radar screen," Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Gilani as saying.

The regional and domestic environment has also been faced with a unique set of challenges including that of terrorism and extremism, he added.

Pakistan is located in a region that is vital because of its geo-strategic importance, Gilani said, adding no country of the world can be oblivious to the imperative of strengthening its defence needs in order to befittingly cope with threats to national security.

"This is where Pakistan Navy, as a key element of national power, has been a factor of stability in a turbulent region. Under the Command of Admiral Noman Bashir, it emerged as a professionally sound fighting force capable of protecting Pakistan's vital strategic interests," the prime minister said:

Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila is Pakistan's new navy chief.