DUBAI. Oct 18 (Interfax) - Russian and Omani ships have arrived in Bandar Abbas, an Iranian city on the Persian Gulf coast, to take part in a joint IMEX 2024 naval exercise with Iran in the Indian Ocean, the Iranian Press-TV channel reported on Friday.
The exercise is due to begin in coming days. The ship were met by helicopters and ships of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The maneuvers will be held as part of the Indian Ocean Naval symposium, which coordinates security activities of the regional states.
The exercise will be observed by Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Thailand.
Its purpose is to strengthen collective regional security, broaden multilateral cooperation and demonstrate a readiness to ensure peaceful atmosphere at sea, the Press-TV said. The participants will hone skills in protecting commercial navigation and maritime routes and data sharing during search and rescue operations.