Iran, Russia talk over Caspian Sea security

Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, who was in Indonesia at the head of a delegation to attend the third International Maritime Security Symposium (IMSS), held talks with a top Russian naval delegation on Saturday.

“We believe that the Caspian Sea is the sea of peace and friendship and in order to establish security in this sea, there is no need for foreign intervention,” Sayyari said.

He added that the Caspian Sea littoral states are capable of maintaining its security.
The top Iranian and Russian naval officials also stressed the importance of developing mutual cooperation, particularly in naval, training and technical fields.

During his stay in Indonesia, Sayyari participated in the symposium and held talks with commanders and high-ranking naval delegations from Indonesia, Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan and Thailand.
In recent years, Iran’s Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

In line with international efforts against piracy, the Iranian Navy has been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008, safeguarding merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.

Iran’s Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.

/SR