The military forces of Iran and Russia are going to hold a joint naval exercise in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean on February 19.
According to the spokesperson for the drill, Rear Admiral Hassan Maqsoudlou, the joint exercise will be conducted in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean region under the hosting of the Iranian Navy in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.
The commander said the main objective of the exercise is to enhance security and sustainable maritime interactions in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. He noted that expanding joint maritime cooperation and strengthening relations between the naval forces of the two countries in the design and implementation of combined operations are among the other goals of the drill.
He added that fostering convergence and coordination in joint actions to counter activities threatening maritime security and safety—particularly in protecting commercial vessels and oil tankers, as well as combating maritime terrorism—are key parts of the exercise.
The drill has also been planned with the aim of deepening friendly relations, increasing regional cooperation with priority given to neighboring countries, and strengthening the role of regional states in ensuring and establishing maritime security and navigation safety, the Iranian commander added.
Meanwhile, the commander of the Russian naval flotilla expressed satisfaction with his presence in Bandar Abbas and appreciated the hosting and hospitality of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
He stressed the friendly and close relations between the two sides, saying the current level of interaction and cooperation shows that they can jointly manage and resolve many maritime and coastal issues and challenges.
The Russian commander added that they are ready to hold joint exercises in any region, including specialized drills and maritime counter-terrorism operations.
Source: Agencies