Acting Commander of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said Monday a combat naval group has been dispatched to Qatar, Iran Daily reported.
"The friendly and bother country Qatar officially invited the IRGC Navy to visit its military centers. Their move was a response to the presence of several Qatari military commanders in the regional war games dubbed 'Holy Prophet-V' and facilitates the way for increasing two-way military cooperation," added Tangsiri, Fars News Agency reported.
The drill in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz in April was a demonstration against hypothetical enemies.
The three-day event demonstrated IRGC naval readiness to strongly respond to any possible aggression.
A Qatari military team visited the region where the maneuvers were held, and expressed the hope that the drills would contribute to regional stability.
Tangsiri said the naval visit will last for three days.
"The naval group consists of three small warships with missile capability and two logistical vessels. Officers will tour Qatar's naval centers and exchange views with military experts in Doha regarding two-way interaction."
He said cooperation is important because of common religion, geography and security of transport of energy from the strategic Persian Gulf.
"IRGC's response to the Qatari invitation marks the start of an auspicious move for continuation of the positive interaction between Iran and regional states."
He referred to attempts by enemies in preventing cordial bonds among regional peoples.
"Iran has perpetually pursued friendly and constructive cooperation with its neighbors and regional Islamic states and extends friendship to friendly states in light of the spirit of brotherhood," said the official.
The commander emphasized that regional countries shoulder the task of improving stability in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman. "Without the need for hegemonic and extraterritorial powers, regional states can and should depend on solidarity, interaction and cooperation with each other," the admiral concluded.
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