TEHRAN- Rear Admiral Qader Vazifeh, commander of the first naval district of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, has said that only the nations in the region can guarantee regional security; foreigners cannot do so.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the commanders of a Pakistani flotilla which arrived in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on Saturday to promote peace and friendship between the two neighboring countries.

“Enemies are extremely afraid of unity among the Muslim countries,” Vazifeh added. 

He continued that the Iranian naval forces actively and resolutely protect the country’s interests on the international stage.

The Iranian commander praised the close military and educational ties as well as the significant level of cooperation with Pakistan.

Given the historical relationships between Tehran and Islamabad, the commander of the Pakistani flotilla praised them and expressed hope that the current visit by the Pakistani officers will result in even stronger ties.

He went on to say that Iran is crucial to preserving peace and stability in the region and throughout the world.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani defense attaché to Iran said the powerful Iranian Army Navy is equipped with the state-of-the-art marine equipment.

He complimented Iran for its outstanding contribution to upholding ship security and safeguarding its interests.

In the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman, the naval forces of Pakistan and Iran have conducted several joint drills and strengthened cooperation in recent times.

In June 2023, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani paid an official three-day visit to Pakistan at the request of Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niaz to examine ways to improve bilateral military cooperation in a variety of domains.