Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 9
By Umid Niayesh - Trend:
The 33rd flotilla of the Iranian Navy which has been dispatched to Southeast Asia berthed at Colombo port, Sri Lanka on Feb. 9, Iran's Fars news agency reported.
The fleet comprising of Shahid Qandi destroyer and Bandar Abbas logistic-combat warship seeks to further enhance interaction between the two countries.
The fleet was officially welcomed by Sri Lanka's local and military officials as well as officials from Iranian embassy in the country.
Mutual meetings are scheduled to be held between the two countries military officials within three days. Previously Iranian 24th and 28th naval fleets made visits to Sri Lanka.
In recent years, Iran's Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.
In line with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has also been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.
The Iranian Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its mission in international waters.
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