TEHRAN, Oct. 18 (MNA) � Secretary of Iran's SNSC Ali�Shamkhani�said Iran�s military presence in the Persian Gulf has ensured expansion of secure trade and passage for oil tankers.Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), made the remark Tuesday morning in the 18th Marine Industries Conference on Kish Island.

Shamkhani lauded the might and achievements of the naval forces of the Army and the IRGC in defending the country�s water borders, and highlighted the strategic importance of sea corridors and the special geopolitical position of Iran that allows the country easy access to open waters and places it in the world�s energy center.

�Assessment of the components of power balance shows that today, sea-based �combined threats� have targeted Iran�s military, economic, and development sectors,� he said.

Shamkhani went on to stress that, however, history is a testament to Iran�s marine civilization and the country has had a significant presence at seas in pursuit of economic objectives.

The Iranian senior official further stressed that the post-JCPOA situation can offer new opportunities for taking advantage of the country�s sea-based capabilities; �sea resources give�the national economy a chance to increase production of capital and consumer goods despite resource constraints and the its scarcity on land.�

The 18th Marine Industries Conference is organized by the Iranian Association of Naval Architecture and Maritime Engineering in collaboration with other national marine organizations, industries and businesses. This conference held on Oct. 18-21 presents an ideal forum for exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences between the local industry and international industry leaders on the importance and status of marine industries in the economy.

By Mehr News Agency