TEHRAN, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Sunday that the presence of Iran's newly-launched destroyer in the Caspian Sea will "guarantee security" in the region.
Ahmadinejad made the remarks during a ceremony held in Iran's northern port city of Bandar Anzali as the country launched its second domestically-made Jamaran-2 destroyer in the Caspian Sea. He hailed the construction of the destroyer as a "great achievement" for the Islamic republic.
"Iran's (naval) presence in seas is aimed at strengthening friendship, establishing security for all, and confronting extremism and those who intend to disturb the security of ... the Caspian Sea," he was quoted as saying by Press TV.
"Without doubt, all neighboring countries are happy with Iranian Navy's achievements because they consider these advancements as a step towards their own security in the region," the president added.
Meanwhile, Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said Sunday that the Jamaran-2 destroyer symbolizes the country's defense industry prowess, according to Press TV.
"Jamaran-2 represents the (Iranian) defense industry's supremacy and proves the progress of (Iran's) Defense Ministry, especially its maritime industry," said Vahidi.
Beijing's 2013 pollution goals set far too low: experts