Mar 22, Colombo: Commander of the 24th fleet of Iran Navy, Capitan Seyyed Omid Golestaneh, which docked in Colombo Thursday has called on Commander of Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage at the Naval Headquarters in Colombo.

The Iranian Commander accompanied by Head of the Training Mission, Captain Omid Golestanch and Ships' Commanding Officers, Commander Abdolvahab Taheri and Lieutenant Commander Farzad Salimi held cordial discussions and exchanged mementos as a gesture of goodwill, the Sri Lankan Navy said.

On Friday, Sri Lankan Commander has visited the Iran Navy's Sabalan destroyer and Kharg helicopter carrier.

During discussions with the Iranian Commander Golestaneh, Colombage has called for the expansion of maritime and trade cooperation between Colombo and Tehran.

The 24th fleet of Iran Navy docked in Colombo after successfully conducting its mission in the Indian and Pacific oceans.

The flotilla of warships, which left Iran's southern Bandar Abbas on January 20 conveys the message of peace and friendship to regional countries, Eastern and Southeastern Asian states in particular, the Commander of the 24th fleet said.

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

In addition, in line with the 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.