Iran, Pakistan to hold naval drill in Persian Gulf
A Pakistani naval flotilla has docked at Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas and is set to hold a joint military exercise with Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz.
The expansion of friendly ties between the two neighbors and the promotion of cooperation in the naval training field are among the other purposes of the Pakistani flotilla’s three-day visit to Iran.
The Pakistani flotilla, comprising the Madadgar warship and Zhob maritime security vessel, was welcomed by the commanders of Iran’s Navy in southern Hormuzgan Province.
Rear Admiral Farhad Fattahi, a navy commander in the province, said the presence of Pakistan’s training combat group in Iran will help both sides to share their naval experiences.
Iranian naval forces have held several joint military drills with foreign countries in recent years with the purpose of improving the security of international maritime trade, countering piracy and maritime terrorism, exchange of information in naval rescue and relief operations, and exchange of operational and tactical experiences.
The Iranian Navy has also achieved self-sufficiency in manufacturing surface and sub-surface vessels in recent years. It has also increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.