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IMO informed of Iranian warships' mission in Somali waters

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

London, May 15, IRNA — The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has been informed of the mission of two Iranian warships in Somali waters and the Gulf of Aden.

Iran’s Ambassador to the UK Rasoul Movahhedian briefed the IMO Secretary General Efthimios Mitropoulos on the mission of the Iranian warships to safeguard Iranian trade cargo ship against Somali pirates.

Movahhedian said Iranian warships are heading to Somali waters and Gulf of Aden within the framework of the IMO and United Nations Security Council resolutions.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran dispatched two warships to Somalia on May 15 in line with UN resolutions 1838 and 1846 and a request by Safety Committe of the IMO. The warships will safeguard Iran’s trade cargo ship against piracy,” Movahhedian said.

He added that the priority of Iranian warships is to escort ships flying Iran’s flag, ships carrying Iranian goods and nationals as well as ships bounding for or departing from Iranian ports.

Movahhedian, who is also the representative of Iran in the IMO, added that Iranian warships are also prepared to safeguard other trade ships should conditions are prepared.

IMO Secretary General Efthimios Mitropoulos earlier told IRNA that the Islamic Republic of Iran is cooperating at “a high level” with his organisation to combat piracy in the international waters.

“From the point of view of cooperation of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the IMO, I have to say that the standard of cooperation is high and we want to upgrade it in future,” Mitropoulos told IRNA at the sidelines of an April meeting between IMO and the Iranian delegation to sign a memorandum of understanding on further maritime cooperation.

Mitropoulos hoped that the problem of piracy would be resolved with the improvement of political situation in Somalia and further cooperation among countries and international organisations.

Iran is an active member of the London-based International Maritime Organisation in its plans to safeguard international waters.