SL Navy calls for expansion of maritime ties with Iran

23 March 2013 11:07 am

Navy Commander Jayanath Colombage has called for the expansion of maritime and trade cooperation between Sri Lanka and Iran, the Presstv.ir reported.

Vice Admiral Colombage visited the 24th fleet of Iran Navy, which has docked in Colombo after successfully conducting its mission in the Indian and Pacific oceans. On Friday, Colombage embarked on the Sabalan destroyer and Kharg helicopter carrier and talked to the Commander of the 24th fleet of Iran Navy, Capitan Seyyed Omid Golestaneh.

The Sri Lankan naval commander expressed satisfaction over his visit to the Iranian fleet, calling for the expansion of maritime and trade cooperation between Colombo and Tehran.

Golestaneh said on Thursday that the Iranian Navy’s 24th fleet of warships, comprising Sabalan destroyer and Kharg helicopter carrier, conveys the message of peace and friendship to regional countries, Eastern and Southeastern Asian states in particular.

The fleet docked at China's Zhangjiagang port on March 4 after sailing 13,000 kilometers in 40 days.

In recent years, Iran Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for Iranian merchant vessels and tankers.

In addition, in line with the international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has 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.