Iran Ready to Strengthen Iraq’s Army


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan on Monday voiced the country’s readiness to help neighboring Iraq increase its military power.

“We regard the Islamic Republic of Iran’s support for the Iraqi army and armed forces as part of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s defense and security strategies in the region,” Dehqan said in a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart in Tehran on Monday.

He also reaffirmed Iran’s backing for Iraq’s unity and territorial integrity, promotion of democracy in the Arab country on the basis of its constitution and contributing to the Arab nation’s security and progress in all fields.

The visiting Iraqi Defense Minister Khalid al-Obeidi, for his part, said Baghdad pins hopes on the cooperation with Iran, describing Iran’s support for the Iraqi armed forces as a “strategic necessity”.

He said the Islamic Republic’s supports have arisen a good feeling of fraternity with Iran among Iraqis.

Obeidi arrived in Iran on Monday for an official visit at the invitation of Brigadier General Dehqan.