Iran, Pakistan Hold Naval Drills

Local Editor

Iran and Pakistan are to hold a one-day naval drill in Hormuz Strait on Tuesday.

Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said it is customary for the Iranian navy to hold joint exercises with each navy group from friendly countries visiting Iran.

He said such joint exercises cause further proximity between the navy units of the nations and makes them familiar with each other's military capabilities.

The drill will be held in Bandar Abbas, strategic port city on top of Strait of Hormuz in south of Iran.

Pakistani military flotilla is berthed at Bandar Abbas on Saturday.

The two warships will stay there for four days. Servicemen on board the Pakistani vessels are also going to visit the Iranian Navy's training centers and equipment in the southern port.

Pakistan's embassy in Tehran had announced earlier that the visiting fleet is under the command of Mohammad Shuaib, commander of the Pakistani Navy's mine-laying unit.

The visit is a sign of close and brotherly ties between the two Muslim nations, conveys the message of regional peace and solidarity, and is meant to promote bilateral cooperation, the embassy had noted.

Last year, Sayyari had said that Iran may hold joint drills with other countries.

"If the Navy sends its fleet to other countries, it will also put holding joint drills on the agenda," he had emphasized.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team