IRNA � The Iranian Navy commander described the maritime security as a global issue which will guarantee nations' maritime interests.

All countries should counter troubled points at seas, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said in the opening ceremony of the 6th Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS 2018) which started in Tehran this morning with participation of 35 high-profile military delegations.

Khanzadi said if responsibilities toward the seas are not fulfilled, the ground will be prepared for illegitimate presence of others.

He further stressed that maritime security of a region should only be ensured by countries of that region.

Touching on the IONS gathering, the commander said it provided a new venue for the Indian Ocean countries to hold direct talks with one another in line with regional interests.

Iran's Navy will help the IONS take practical measures towards attaining its goals, the commander said.

The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium is the biggest military summit in Iran's history and its hosting has been ceded to Iran for two years.