Over 3,000 servicemen from different countries are taking part in the international Baltops-2010 naval exercises, which began on Sunday in the Baltic Sea, Latvian Defense Minister Imants Liegis said.

The Baltops exercise has been held annually since 1994 within the framework of the NATO Partnership for Peace Program. It is aimed to promote a mutual understanding of maritime interoperability between U.S. Navy, NATO, and non-NATO participants.

This year, the exercise is being held in Latvia and Estonia and involves servicemen from the U.S., Belgium, Estonia, Denmark, France, Latvia, the U.K., Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Germany and Sweden.

A total of 36 vessels, two submarines and other military vehicles are taking part in the drills.

Russia is participating in the drills as an observer.

RIGA, June 6 (RIA Novosti)