HARARE, March 29. /TASS/. The Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate of the Russian Pacific Fleet arrived at Massawa, a port city on Eritrea’s Red Sea coast, the country’s information ministry said on its website.

The visit was held in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Russian Federation and Eritrea. It will continue for five days.

Upon their arrival at the Massawa port, Russian sailors were warmly welcomed by commanders of Eritrea’s Navy and the Defense Forces. Russian Ambassador to Eritrea Igor Mozgo also took part in the ceremony. Senior government officials and military commanders toured the vessel.

The Pacific Fleet’s press service said earlier that its task force, comprising the Varyag missile cruiser and the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate, crossed the Bab El Mandeb Strait and sailed into the Red Sea.

The warships also sailed the Gulf of Aden where they held a series of drills.