St. Petersburg, Jul 31 (IANS): The Russian Navy will receive 30 new ships in 2023 as the country continues strengthening its naval forces, Russian President Vladimir Putin said here.

Putin made the remark on Sunday at the main naval parade being held in honour of Russian Navy Day.

He added that 30 ships of different classes would be added to the Navy, including the Mercury corvette, Xinhua news agency reported.

The naval parade in St. Petersburg was divided into two parts: 45 ships, submarines and other vessels participated in the parade on the water, while about 3,000 soldiers participated in the parade on land.

Some African heads of state and government representatives witnessed the naval parade in St. Petersburg after taking part in the second Russia-Africa Summit, which took place on July 27-28.

In addition to St. Petersburg, the Russian cities of Baltiysk, Vladivostok and others also held parades to celebrate Navy Day.