TEHRAN (Tasnim) � The commander of the Iranian Navy�s 44th flotilla, which is on a mission to Tanzania, cited a high-ranking commander of the East African country as saying that the Iranian fleet�s presence has ensured security in the region.

Speaking at a dinner ceremony in Iran�s Embassy in Tanzania, Admiral Seyed Omid Golestaneh said in a recent meeting, a deputy commander of the Tanzanian army acknowledged that the presence of the Iranian naval flotilla in the East African waters �has established security� in the region.

The Tanzanian commander also said the Iranian Navy�s presence in the waters has eased it for the regional countries� navies to ensure security, Admiral Golestaneh added.

The 44th flotilla of warships, comprised of the Alvand destroyer and the Bushehr logistic vessel, docked at Tanzania�s Port city of Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

It embarked on a voyage for the high seas on October 5 to safeguard maritime routes used by the country�s vessels and oil tankers operating in the Gulf of Aden and the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait against pirates.

In recent years, Iran�s naval forces have increased their presence in high seas to secure naval routes.

In line with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.

By Tasnim News Agency