The Iranian Navy’s 50th naval fleet has docked at the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka as the Islamic Republic seeks to expand its naval presence and boost its trade security in international waters.
Tehran aims to strengthen mutual relations between both countries and develop peace and friendship with their more distant neighbors in the Indian Ocean.
A meeting between senior Iranian and Sri Lankan commanders and visits to military educational centers as well as cultural and historical sites are among the main plans of those on board the fleet.
In recent years, Iran’s Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and oil 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, container ships 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.
The 50th naval fleet, composed of Tunb logistic-combat warship and Shaheed Naqdi and Bayandor destroyers, arrived at the port, the largest in Sri Lanka.
PressTV.com / AA Magnum News 2018.
