Iran, Russia defense ministers call for closer ties

It is essential for Tehran and Moscow to bolster defense cooperation, Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan was quoted as saying by Press TV on Tuesday.

Further expansion of cooperation between Iran and Russia in the defense sector plays a major role in maintaining regional and global security, said Dehqan in response to a congratulatory message by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on his approval as Iran's defense minister.

Russia enjoys a special position in the Islamic republic's foreign policy, Dehqan added.

In his congratulatory message, Shoigu called for closer ties between the armed forces of Russia and Iran, according to Press TV.

Last week, Russia's Air Force Commander in Chief Lieutenant General Viktor Bondarev visited Tehran to discuss boosting military cooperation with the Islamic republic.

Bondarev met with high-ranking Iranian military officials, including Commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili, the Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Aerospace Division Brigadier General Amir- Ali Hajizadeh and the Commander of Iran Air Force Brigadier General Hassan Shahsafi.

The local reports said that Bondarev praised the achievements of Iran's defense industry, particularly the modifications to the Russian-made S-200 missile defense systems by the Iranian experts.

The two countries agreed to boost defense ties on information and air defense techniques, electronic and radar as well as missile systems.