Defense Minister of Russia, Iran CoS discuss military cooperation

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
28 Jun 2023 19:55
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Iranian sources later reported that the Chief of Staff of the Iranian armed forces Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri invited the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to Iran.

Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu (Center) (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service)

The Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff of the Iranian armed forces Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri held a conversation over the phone to discuss matters relating to military cooperation.

"Today … Shoigu held a phone conversation with … Bagheri. Topical issues of bilateral military cooperation were discussed. An exchange of views took place on issues of regional security and the international situation. The sides confirmed their intention to deepen dialogue and develop contacts in the defense sector," the ministry said in a statement.

On a similar note, the Tasnim news agency reported that Bagheri invited Shoigu to Iran.

In March, Iran's mission to the UN told Sputnik back in March that a deal has been reached by Iran to purchase Russian Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, but the delivery time and quantity have been classified.

Later that month, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian assured that Tehran and Moscow are boosting their cooperation, including in the military field.

In April, the Iranian Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, said that the bilateral relations between his country and Moscow have been reaching new levels in light of both countries having a similar and sometimes unanimous approach toward regional and international issues.

"Today, relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation are reaching a new level," Jalali said during an academic event held in the Russian capital with a focus on the Persian language and Persian literature.

Even Iran's first vice president Mohammad Mokhber said last month during a meeting with Russian President’s Special Aide Igor Levitin that both countries can become the export center of some food items in the region with joint production and investment.