TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran's 38th fleet of warships berthed in the Tanzanian Port of Dar es Salaam on Tuesday after nearly two months of patrolling mission designed to protect the country's ships and interests in international waters.

The 38th fleet of Naqdi destroyer and helicopter-carrier Bushehr and Lavan warships left the Iranian port on January 20 for its mission in the Indian Ocean, the Sea of Oman, and the Gulf of Aden.

The flotilla which is visiting Tanzania within the framework of a training exercise, will be at the Dar es Salaam Port for four days.

Upon arrival, the fleet was welcomed by Iranian officials, including Ambassador to Tanzania Mehdi Aqajafari and Tanzanian military and navy commanders.

Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari had told reporters last Thursday that the Indian Ocean was of high importance to the Islamic Republic, adding that its security is important for both Iran and the world, and that the Navy is ready to ensure its security.

He noted that an Indian flotilla of warships would soon pay a visit to the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas.

The Iranian Navy has been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008, when Somali raiders hijacked the Iranian-chartered cargo ship, MV Delight, off the coast of Yemen.

According to UN Security Council resolutions, different countries can send their warships to the Gulf of Aden and coastal waters of Somalia against the pirates and even with prior notice to Somali government enter the territorial waters of that country in pursuit of Somali sea pirates.

By Fars News Agency