VP: Iran Ready to Expand Military Cooperation with Azerbaijan
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri voiced the country's preparedness to develop defense and military cooperation with the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Speaking in a meeting with Azerbaijani Defense Minister Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov in Tehran on Tuesday, Jahangiri stressed that Iran wants Azerbaijan to be "powerful" and is ready to boost defense and military ties with Baku without any limitations.
He referred to the cultural, historical and religious common grounds between the two countries, and said the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great importance to the development of its ties with neighboring states and that the Republic of Azerbaijan has a special place in Tehran’s foreign policy.
Jahangiri regretted that the volume of bilateral trade between Tehran and Baku is lower than expected, and urged that obstacles should be identified and removed and essential steps should be taken to enhance trade exchanges between the two neighbors.
He further pointed to the recent visit by the Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to Tehran and said good agreements were reached during the visit that could help to elevate the level of bilateral relations.
Azerbaijan’s defense minister, for his part, described talks with his Iranian counterpart as "positive and constructive", and said there are numerous potentials for defense cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan.
He also said the two countries share views on regional and global issues.
Heading a high-ranking defense delegation, Azerbaijan’s defense minister arrived in the Iranian capital city of Tehran on Monday to meet his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan and the country’s senior defense and military officials.
