South African Navy Commander: We welcome Iranian naval groups to our waters

Pars Today — The Commander of the South African Navy has emphasized the need to further expand relations between the Iranian Navy and his country.

According to Pars Today, citing IRNA, Admiral Monde Lobese, Commander of the South African Navy, met with Captain First Rank Emad Nezhamoridi, Commander of the 103rd Naval Group of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Navy.

During the meeting, Admiral Lobese expressed his satisfaction with the participation of the Iranian naval group in the "Determination for Peace 2026" exercise, stating: "During my first meeting with Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Navy, in St. Petersburg, Russia, we agreed to elevate the level of interactions between the navies of Iran and South Africa."

He added: "Today, we witness that the Iranian Navy has dispatched three of its warships to this exercise, which is a sign of enhanced bilateral defense relations and increased friendship and camaraderie between the peoples of Iran and South Africa. This will also help improve maritime security in the oceans and international waters."

Admiral Lobese also announced the full readiness of the South African Navy to support Iranian naval groups, saying: "During my visit to Iran and my tour of the Makran helicopter carrier, which was under construction and optimization, I told Admiral Irani that I very much wished for the Makran to visit South Africa on its maiden operational voyage. Now, after two years, I see that this wish has come true, and the Iranian naval group is present here, not only for a visit but also for an international exercise involving Russia, China, the UAE, and South Africa."

The Commander of the South African Navy continued: "In our white uniforms, we are like brothers, demonstrating that we perform our duties within our mission area as lovers of peace and friendship."

Admiral Monde Lobese stressed: "We assure the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Navy that the South African Navy stands ready to welcome the presence of Iranian naval groups in our territorial waters at any time."

Expressing hope for further development of relations between the Iranian and South African navies, the South African Navy Commander said: "May the friendship with the Iranian Navy and people endure as long as the sun rises in the east."