“Due to the international aspect of all naval forces in the world, each year military naval units comprising warships and air units are dispatched to other countries in the form of a fleet,” Rear Admiral Hossein Azad, Commander of the First Naval Zone, with HQ at the Persian Gulf port of Bandar Abbas, told reporters during the welcoming ceremony on Saturday.
He went on to add that the voyages aim at establishing international maritime interactions and at times, for conducting joint naval exercises or staging joint drills with two or several other countries.
“Iran’s Navy has an active presence in international naval communities and attends various naval meetings and conferences, and makes various voyages; at the same time, it is host to many dispatched fleets from other countries each year,” he said.
“Since the enemy always seeks to damage the reputation of Iran and makes efforts to spread anti-Iranian sentiments throughout the world, our own efforts to prove the high level of security in our country will make neighboring, regional and other countries in the world willing to travel to Iran and participate in our joint programs,” Commander Azad said.
He added that the Italian warship has sailed to Iran for political, cultural and military purposes.
At the end of the welcoming ceremony, the commander of 'Euro' warship, together with Italian ambassador to Iran and the country’s military attaché, held a meeting with Commander Azad.
MS/3777308