Iran, Oman launch joint rescue naval drills

Iran and Oman began joint rescue and relief naval drills in the east of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday, official IRNA news agency reported.

Commander of Iran's First Naval Zone, Amir Hossein Azad, announced the beginning of the two-day maritime drills, saying that the maneuver, by Iran and Oman, aims to guarantee security of ships passing through the strait and moving in the region.

The drills is to enhance the preparedness of both countries for rescue and relief operations for trade vessels and oil tankers, Iran's navy commander also said after a meeting with a visiting delegation of Omani navy officers in the capital Tehran on Sunday.

Both countries discussed naval cooperation, exchanging military instructors and cadets, technical cooperation on the repair, maintenance and overhaul of naval equipment, and reciprocal visits by the two countries' fleets, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said.

Iran and Oman have so far held several naval relief and rescue drills to enhance readiness for providing relief services and rescue operations, as well as improving the level of regional cooperation and exchanging experience.

Source: XINHUA