Russian warships end anti-piracy mission in Gulf of AdenMarch 4, 2013 - 17:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian Navy’s Udaloy-class destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov has completed an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden and set course for its Vladivostok base, where it should arrive in April, Fleet spokesman Capt. First Rank Roman Martov said on Monday, March 4, according to RIA Novosti. The destroyer was part of a Pacific Fleet task force, which also included the tanker Irkut and the rescue tug boat Alatau. The ships made an official visit to the port of Mumbai in India in late December and conducted joint drills with the Indian navy on the way to the Gulf of Aden, Martov said. Russian naval task forces, usually led by Udaloy-class destroyers, operate in the area on a rotating basis. The Russian Navy said in November it will continue its anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden and off the Horn of Africa in 2013, with at least three tours of duty in the region scheduled. Russia joined the international anti-piracy mission in the region in 2008. Russian warships have successfully escorted 733 commercial vessels from various countries through the pirate-infested waters off the Somali coast since then. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |