THE first Russian warship in modern history to visit Tanzania has finished its tour of duty and left the country for home.

A statement issued by the Russian Embassy in Dar es Salaam said that the warship is part of efforts to fight anti-piracy in high seas and had docked in the country on February 16, this year. The large anti-submarine destroyer christened Marshal Shaposhnikov was in Dar es Salaam for four days where Russian sailors trained Tanzanian sailors on anti-piracy techniques.

The statement further said that the Russian sailors brought years of experience in counterpiracy activities to their Tanzanian counterparts to combat piracy in the region. "They trained them in counter- piracy activities in exercises to combat piracy organized for officers and personnel of the Tanzanian Navy.

The trip itself also assures of the presence of a warship in the Indian Ocean which has had positive effect on piracy in the region with attacks decreasing consistently," the statement said. Commanding officers of the warship said that the visit was very positive as such events strengthen relations between two armies and governments.

While in the city, the statement said, the Russian delegation visited the Mayor of Dar es Salaam, Dr Didas Masaburi and the Commander of the Navy, Major General Said Shaaban Omari. On the second day of the detachment, commanders met on board the warship the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Tanzania, Mr Alexander Rannikh.