Iranian Navy chief says to enhance maritime cooperation with Pakistan
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The commander of the Iranian Navy stresses the importance of bilateral ties with Pakistan as they gear up for the Aman 25 military drills.
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In this picture released by the official website of the Iranian Army on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, a helicopter flies over a domestically-built signals intelligence Zagros ship that joined the navy fleet in the Gulf of Oman. (Iranian Army via AP)
Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Iranian Navy, emphasized the significance of Iran’s close relations with Pakistan, stating that his country’s participation in the Aman 25 naval exercises reflects efforts to enhance operational capabilities in the region and pave the way for future joint drills.
Speaking from Karachi on Saturday, where he arrived early in the morning at the official invitation of his Pakistani counterpart, Admiral Irani underlined Iran’s high-level presence at the event as a testament to the depth of ties between the two nations.
The Iranian Navy has deployed a floating unit and a special operations team to the multinational drills, which are being hosted by the Pakistan Navy. The admiral described the event as a crucial opportunity for both nations to strengthen their maritime operational coordination.
Expressing hope for increased cooperation, Irani praised the efforts of the Iranian embassy and the military attaché’s office in Pakistan in advancing naval collaboration. He also stated that extending an invitation to Pakistani forces to participate in future exercises in Iran is part of Tehran’s agenda.
Admiral Irani and his high-ranking delegation are scheduled to attend the "Aman 25" drills at Karachi Port, meet with the commander of the Pakistan Navy, and participate in the Aman International Maritime Conference. They will also observe the operational segment of the naval exercises.
Enhancing maritime cooperation
Earlier this week, Pakistan’s naval chief welcomed Iran’s participation, affirming Islamabad’s commitment to further strengthening maritime cooperation with Tehran. "Pakistan has highly constructive engagements with the Iranian Navy, and we are eager to expand this cooperation with our neighboring country," he said.
The ninth edition of the Aman naval drills, which commenced on Friday in Karachi, has brought together naval forces from over 60 countries under the theme "Together for Peace." The exercise aims to enhance regional and international cooperation to maintain maritime security, build capacity, foster mutual understanding, and combat threats such as terrorism and transnational crimes at sea.
Tensions between Iran and Pakistan had escalated in early 2024, leading to the temporary withdrawal of ambassadors. However, both nations agreed in January last year to restore diplomatic ties, with Pakistan reaffirming its stance of standing "always alongside Iran" and expressing a desire to avoid any escalation.
All-out military cooperation
Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, said Iran and Pakistan are boosting their military cooperation in a variety of areas.
Bagheri made the statements in Islamabad when he came on Sunday to head a high-ranking military mission at the request of Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir.
The Iranian general told reporters that relations between both countries' armed forces "have been developing in recent years and we have reached good agreements."
He highlighted security concerns along Iran's long border with Pakistan and stated that the two countries are aiming to transform common border regions into a "border of friendship for the two nations and a place for broad economic connections."
"Iran and Pakistan are two major Muslim countries in the sensitive West and South Asia region and have extensive ties with each other," the senior Iranian general stated.
Top political, military, and security officials also want to review previously inked agreements between the two adjacent governments.
