News - Middle East: Iran and Azerbaijan are set to hold joint search and rescue drills in the Caspian Sea with the aim of strengthening mutual cooperation and achieving maritime security.

The Iranian Navy’s northern fleet will host the major phase of the drills dubbed “AZIREX 2024”, scheduled to kick off on Monday.

Floating and flying units of the naval forces of the Iranian army, including Deylaman destroyer that will serve as the command ship, will take part in the exercises.

Floating units of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy and the Law Enforcement Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran will also participate in the drills.

The missile-equipped vessels of Paykan (Arrow), Separ (Shield) and Joshan (Armor), AB 212 helicopter and a floating unit of the IRGC Navy named “Shahid Basir”, as well as Azerbaijan’s rescue boats G129 and A640 are also set to take part in the drills.

Azerbaijan’s G129 and A640 docked at the fourth naval region of the Iranian army upon their arrival in Iranian territorial waters.

The drills, with the slogan “Cooperation for Peace and Friendship”, aim at consolidating sustainable collective security in the region.

They also aim at expanding cooperation among the participating countries and to show their goodwill and ability to achieve peace, friendship and maritime security.

Source: Press TV