Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Navy commander: Indian Ocean security should be safeguarded by littoral states

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dubai, UAE, May 13, IRNA -- Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said here on Thursday that security of the Indian Ocean should be safeguarded by the regional countries and there is no need for the presence of the alien forces.

Talking to IRNA, he added that Iran’s policy is to protect regional security in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East in cooperation with regional countries.

Sayyari who toured Abu Dhabi to attend the Second Meeting of Navy Commanders of Indian Ocean Littoral States further noted that presence of alien forces is not only needed but also it causes insecurity.

Iran prioritizes safeguarding the security of the Indian Ocean along with the littoral states, he told the event which ended on Wednesday night.

Navy commanders of 30 Indian Ocean littoral states attended the meeting with representatives from the US, Britain, Italy and France as observers.

Sayyari also said Iran's first presence at the gathering was warmly welcomed by the participating countries.

Referring to the significance of the Indian Ocean, he further noted that safeguarding its security will greatly contribute to the world trade improvement.

Any insecurity in the region will be detrimental to the international economy, he said.