Iran, Azerbaijan seek to boost defense ties

The first meeting of Iran-Azerbaijan Joint Defense Commission was held in the Azeri capital of Baku on Tuesday with the participation of a high-ranking delegation from Iran’s Defense Ministry.

The session was aimed at exchanging views about avenues for strengthening joint cooperation in the defense and military sectors.

In a meeting between the Iranian delegation and Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Lieutenant General Zakir Hasanov, the two sides emphasized that the first session of the commission and the preparation of a roadmap for military and defensive cooperation would lead to the development of Tehran-Baku ties.

In the meeting with the Azeri defense minister, the Iranian entourage raised issues such as bolstering cordial relations between the Iranian and Azeri people, respecting each other's territorial integrity, promoting good neighborliness among regional countries and Iran making use of all its capacities to preserve regional security and stability.

Iran and Azerbaijan have recently ramped up efforts to boost defensive cooperation. The Azeri defense minister paid a visit to Tehran in April and held key talks with senior Iranian officials.

/SR