Iran stands with Qatar, says Guards official

Tehran - A delegation from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Marine Corps is on an official visit to the Qatari capital Doha.

Deputy Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' (IRGC) Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri has said that Iran supported the Qatar government and its people.
"Ground is ready for development of cooperation with Qatar and we are doing our best to have stronger relations with Doha," Tangsiri told the Iranian News Agency (Irna) on the sidelines of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX).
"We seek to showcase Iranian achievements in the production of marine equipment in subsequent exhibitions," said Tangsiri.
He pointed out that relations between some Gulf countries and Qatar were tense, noting that holding an exhibition of this magnitude is a key achievement for the Qatari government.
Tangsiri said he did not feel the boycott by some Gulf countries had caused any impact on the exhibition, adding that "Iran's participation in the three editions of the DIMDEX exhibition means that it stands with and supports Doha".
Tangsiri referred to the bilateral cooperation between Iran and Qatar in the field of coastal defence and coast guard, and participation of armies in military exercises.
"Iran always extends the hand of friendship to the neighbouring countries, and we believe that the countries of the region can provide security through greater convergence," he said.
"The Gulf is our home, and its security is also in our hands," he stressed.
A delegation from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Marine Corps is on an official visit to the Qatari capital Doha to participate in a conference of naval commanders in west Asia. During the stay, the Iranian delegation visited the 6th International Maritime Defence Exhibition 'DIMDEX 2018' which is held in Doha once every two years, and includes a show of naval warships of the participating countries.
malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com

• MENA