An Italian military delegation has traveled to Iran to discuss the enhancement of bilateral military ties, and has invited Iranian naval groups to visit Italy�s territorial waters.

The five-member delegation, headed by Rear-Admiral Roberto Chia Marcella, is in Iran on a five-day visit. On Monday, the delegates met with Iran�s Navy Commander Rear-Admiral Habibollah Sayyari to discuss the development of ties.

Extending�the invitation to Iran, Chia Marcella said, �In the future, we will witness Italian vessels berthing at [Iran�s] southern harbors falling within the Iranian Navy�s sphere of operation.�

�It is certain that these talks and meetings will lead to the development of interaction and cooperation in different military areas between the two countries of Iran and Italy,� he added.

Sayyari also underlined the importance of Italy�s geopolitical�position in the Mediterranean Sea and said, �Italy enjoys around 8,000 kilometers (4970 miles) of maritime border and the Mediterranean is [also] strategically very significant given the�fact that it connects the important Suez Canal and the Strait of Gibraltar.�

In recent years, Iran�s Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

By Press TV