Regional security cannot be guaranteed by outsiders: Iran commander

An Iranian Navy commander says regional security cannot be guaranteed by outsiders and can only be ensured by the countries in the region.

Rear Admiral Qader Vazifeh, commander of the first naval district of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, made the comment in a meeting with 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 countries.

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

He added that the Iranian naval forces have a strong and active presence in the international scene and are fiercely defending the national interests.

The Iranian commander hailed the high level of relations with Pakistan and educational and combat interactions between the two countries.

The commander of the Pakistani flotilla, for his part, commended historical relations between Tehran and Islamabad and expressed hope that the current visit by the Pakistani commanders would lead to further improvement of ties.

He added that Iran plays a determining role in maintaining regional and global peace and stability.

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

He hailed Iran’s great role in defending its interests and maintaining security for its ships.

The naval forces of Iran and Pakistan have in recent years promoted cooperation and staged several joint drills in the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman.