Iranian Navy’s Flotilla Docks in Azerbaijan
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A flotilla of the Iranian Navy’s warships arrived in the Republic of Azerbaijan’s territorial waters and berthed at the port of Baku on Wednesday.
A welcoming ceremony was held in the Azeri capital of Baku upon the arrival of the Iranian Navy’s fleet with some senior commanders of the Azerbaijani navy and some officials, including the Iranian ambassador to Baku, in attendance.
Speaking at the ceremony, the commander of the flotilla said his forces have arrived in Baku to convey Iran’s message of peace and friendship to all Caspian Sea littoral states, the Republic of Azerbaijan in particular.
The Iranian flotilla, comprised of Damavand destroyer and Joshan missile-launching frigate, had departed from the Caspian port city of Bandar Anzali on Sunday morning.
A top Navy commander had said that a total of 200 seamen are aboard the fleet in the 3-day mission to the Azeri capital.
The Iranian and Azeri forces are also planned to stage a joint naval drill off the coasts of Baku and share their operational experiences.
In recent years, Iran’s naval forces have increased their presence in international waters and have held several joint war games with neighboring states.
Reciprocal naval visits with neighbors has been also part of the Iranian Navy’s plans over the past years.
