BAGHDAD, Dec 22: A build-up in the US naval presence in the Gulf is intended to send the message that “the United States is an enduring presence in this part of the world,” US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said on Friday.

“We have been here for a long time, we will be here for a long time and everybody needs to remember that, both our friends and those who might consider themselves our adversaries,” Mr Gates told reporters at a briefing in Iraq.

He said that the US naval presence in the Gulf has increased in the past weeks, but would not directly comment on a report that the United States is sending a second aircraft carrier to the Gulf.

“My impression is there has been an increase in naval strength in the Gulf in the past several weeks,” he said.

“I don't think it's a response to anything anyone else has done,” he said in response to a question on whether the build-up was related to the Iranian nuclear dispute.

As Mr Gates spoke to reporters in front of US military headquarters outside Baghdad, the crackle of gunfire could be heard in the distance.—AFP