ISLAMABAD, March 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Two Iranian Naval Ships will carry out joint exercises with Pakistan navy ships in the open seawhich involves joint maneuvers and advance tactical exercises, a Pakistani navy statement said here on Saturday.

    "This, apart from a good opportunity for personnel of two navies to benefit from each others experiences, also provides an arena to improve upon naval procedures and doctrines," the statement said.

    The Iranian Naval Ships IRIS BANDAR ABBAS and IRIS LARAK left Karachi port Saturday morning on completion of five-day goodwill visit of Pakistan but they will hold joint exercises with Pakistannavy while returning, it said.

    "During their stay in Pakistan, the Iranian Navy officers held meetings with high ranking naval authorities and discussed mattersof common interest," it said.

    "They paid visit to various training and operational units of Pakistan Navy and participated in different sports activities," the statement said.

    "Pakistan and Iran enjoy long standing brotherly relations. Exchange of such goodwill cruises is a regular feature which playssignificant role in further strengthening ties between the navies of two countries and promote military cooperation," the statement said. Enditem