The commander of the Iranian Navy says the naval forces of the Islamic Republic and Oman plan to hold a joint rescue and relief drill in waters south of Iran.
Iran’s Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on Tuesday that the three-day maritime maneuver is scheduled to be held on April 7, 2014.
Sayyari made the remarks during a visit to an exhibition of the scientific and technological achievements of Iran’s Navy in the northern city of Noshahr.
Iran and Oman have so far held several naval relief and rescue drills aimed at enhancing readiness for providing relief services and rescue operations and improving the level of regional cooperation and exchanging experience.
The Iranian commander also said that the country plans to increase its presence in the high seas, saying that Iran’s 30th Naval Fleet will be dispatched to the international waters in order to sail around the African continent.
In recent years, Iran’s Navy has increased its presence in the international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.
In line with international efforts against piracy, the Iranian Navy has also been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 in order to safeguard merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.
Iran’s Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.
Via: http://www.presstv.ir/
