Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu: “Moscow and Tehran are reaching a new level of interaction”

Photo: mil.ru

Russian delegation headed by Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu arrived in Tehran for talks with the military leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran (photo).

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran held a formal greeting ceremony for the Russian delegation outside its main building, which was attended by a guard of honour and a military band.

Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, greeted the Russian Minister of Defence.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has discussed topical issues of Russian–Iranian military cooperation during talks with Chief of General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri on Tuesday.

'I consider our meeting as another step towards strengthening the strategic partnership between Russia and Iran. Today we have an opportunity to discuss thoroughly topical issues of bilateral military cooperation,' Sergei Shoigu said.

Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu.
Photo: mil.ru

The head of the Russian defence ministry stressed that 'Iran is Russia's strategic partner in the Middle East'.

According to the Russian Defence Minister, Russian-Iranian relations in the military sphere tends to develop actively and positively.

'Recently, the intensity of meetings has increased significantly, both at the highest level and at the level of the leadership of military departments. We see in this a common view of building a world order based on equality of rights for all participants in international relations,' the Russian Defence Minister said.

Sergei Shoigu suggested discussing topical issues of bilateral military cooperation mentioning that 'this is, of course, both Syria and Afghanistan, and current situation in Karabakh'.

In addition, continued the Russian Defence Minister, 'there are a lot of other issues to be discussed today and tomorrow. These include educational issues, exchange of experience, exchange of delegations, joint naval exercises,' the Russian Defence Minister said.

'We are aimed at implementing the entire range of planned activities, despite opposition from the United States and its Western allies. Sanctions pressure on Russia and Iran are demonstrating their futility, while Russian-Iranian interaction is reaching a new level,' Sergei Shoigu said during discussions with Iranian Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani on Wednesday.

At the same time, he expressed readiness 'for further joint action in the field of strengthening stability and security in the Middle East'.

'We note with delight,' the head of the Russian Defence Ministry stated, 'that the Iranian-Russian communication is progressing particularly intensely today'. According to him, this is largely due to the trusting relations that have developed between the leaders of Russia and Iran.

The Russian Defense Minister stressed that 'the high dynamics of the meetings confirms the general mood for further strengthening of strategic partnership in the defence sphere and military cooperation'.

He invited his counterpart to discuss a number of issues of mutual interest during the talks.

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