Maritime Security IONS Working Group Meetings Held in Bandar Abbas, Iran

Commodore Azizi, having welcomed the representatives of the member countries of IONS as well as sending Rear Admiral Dr Khanzadi’s warmest regards, said, “We have all gathered here for a common goal which is convergence, cooperation, and interaction for security throughout the Indian Ocean as one of the most strategic oceans in the world”.

He also mentioned, “Iran as the chair of this Working Group is seeking a vigorous, cooperative movement which would serve as the first step towards reaching a comprehensive Maritime Security Guideline through sharing ideas and your responsible cooperation.”

Commodore Azizi also added, “Following the policy and approaches of I.R. Iran Navy, towards synergy and pragmatic measures, the zero draft of Maritime Security Guideline has been prepared by the I.R. Iran Navy and will be presented for further discussions and having reached the overall approval, will be utilized by the members.”

Another crucial objective of I.R. Iran Navy at the end of this meeting would be to reach an agreement with the members to approve an action plan on anti-piracy and anti-insecurity exercise with the participation of all the IONS members and observers in 2019, hosted by I.R. Iran Navy. The initial talks and discussions indicate that I.R. Iran Navy has succeeded in attracting the positive comments supporting this task leading to a multi-lateral maritime exercise.

The chair of the Maritime Security IWG, in the end, stated, “These symposium, in pursuit of its objectives and maximum participation of the members, has taken its actions in three separate working groups  under the titles “HADR”, “MARSEC”, and “IS&I”. I.R. Iran Navy is the chair of Maritime Security IONS Working Group, as the most important working group of this symposium which aims to provide collective security with the participation of all the beneficiary member countries of the region.”