The Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia kicked off their first joint maritime operation in the Caspian Sea off the coasts of the northern port city of Bandar Anzali with the slogan of "clean and secure Caspian Sea depends on regional interaction."

Managing Director of Ports and Navigation Organization, Ali Taher Abadi referring to the importance of the operation in preserving the sea environment, adding it is holding within the framework of international conventions.

He said the operation is aimed at diminishing environmental pollutions and enhance security in the Caspian Sea.

"Implementation of conventions such as preparatory operations against oil pollutions as well as maritime search and rescue are among other objectives of it," he stated.

Manager of the operation, Saeed Izadian also said some 500 expert forces, 30 advanced boats and two helicopters from Iran along with Russian boats and equipments are involving in cleaning the Caspian Sea and the search and rescue operation.

Representatives from the International Maritime Organization, Turkmenistan and the Azerbaijan Republic are also attending the event as observers.

[Note by the editor: The oil and gas reserves of the southern coast of the Caspian Sea are regarded as the second largest in the world.]

Source: IRIB News