Iran-Russia cooperation reaching 'new highs' despite sanctions: Shoigu

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
20 Sep 2023 11:45
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The Russian Defense Minister says the Russia-Iran dialogue has been particularly intense recently.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri discuss the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Syria, and Afghanistan at talks in Tehran on September 19, 2023 (Russian MoD)

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu pointed out on Wednesday that Russia-Iran cooperation is reaching "new highs".

"We are determined to implement the entire set of our planned activities despite opposition from the US and its Western allies," Shoigu stressed during talks with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani in Tehran.

He indicated that "the pressure of sanctions on Russia and Iran is proving to be futile, while Russia-Iran cooperation is reaching new highs."

The Russian defense chief also expressed Moscow's readiness "to take further joint steps to strengthen stability and security in the Middle East."

"We are pleased to note that the Russia-Iran dialogue has been particularly intense recently," state-run Russian news agency TASS quoted Shoigu as saying.

He added that this is primarily owing to the leaders of Russia and Iran having trusting relationships.

"The high intensity of meetings confirms our common determination to continue boosting strategic defense partnership," he emphasized.

On his part, Ashtiani indicated that the situation in the world is developing in such a way that Iran and Russia have all the prerequisites for creating a lasting and strong alliance.

"[The situation in world is developing in such a way that] all the prerequisites have appeared for creating a strong and strong union [between Russia and Iran]," he said at the meeting.

The Iranian defense chief added that cooperation between the two countries will lead to peace and stability in the international arena.

On Tuesday, Shoigu arrived in Tehran at the head of a high-ranking military delegation, where he met with Iran's Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri.

His visit to Tehran followed General Bagheri's official invitation in June.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed in a statement that its delegation to Tehran will hold a number of talks with the Iranian military leadership.

Throughout the visit, the delegation will aim to strengthen Russian-Iranian military ties and will mark yet another stage in advancing cooperation between the two countries, the statement added.