Iran, Iraq urge to enhance cooperation in national defense

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan and his visiting Iraqi counterpart, Saadoun al-Dulaimi, called on Tuesday for boosting bilateral cooperation on national defense, Press TV reported.

Dehqan said Iran and Iraq should improve cooperation based on mutual confidence and common interests and the Islamic republic is ready to equip and strengthen the Iraqi army.

"An independent, united, strong and secure Iraq guarantees regional security and prepares the ground for the country's progress," Dehqan was quoted as saying.

"Iran is ready to make its utmost effort to establish peace and stability in the region in cooperation with Iraq and other friendly and neighboring countries," he said.

Countries in the Middle East are capable of restoring regional security, he said, adding that "stability and security in the region will be achieved through collective cooperation among regional countries," not by the intervention of trans-regional states which only pursue their own interests.

For his part, Saadoun al-Dulaimi said that his visit to Iran aimed at further boosting defense cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad.

Commenting on the Syrian crisis, Dulaimi said Tehran and Baghdad share views on developments in Damascus.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, the Iraqi defense minister arrived in Tehran on Monday and is due to hold talks with Iranian officials on bilateral cooperation and regional issues.