Iran, Russia Discuss Naval Equipment Deal
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian and Russian Defense Ministries are in talks to conclude an agreement to have Iran’s naval needs fulfilled by Russia, a top Iranian commander announced.
Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency, Navy Lieutenant Commander Admiral Gholam Reza Biqam said the Navy has informed Russia of its demand for certain naval equipment, particularly for marine rescue and relief.
He also noted that in addition to Russia, bilateral talks with the Republic of Azerbaijan, “Iran’s age-old neighbor”, have been held on the sidelines of a 2015 meeting among navy commanders of the Caspian Sea littoral states in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Though the negotiations are within the purview of Defense Ministries, Iran’s Navy has let Russia know about its demands, Biqam added.
Elsewhere in his comments, the commander said the Caspian states are moving to finalize an agreement on holding a joint naval war game, with the purpose of strengthening ties and announcing that the Caspian Sea belongs to its littoral countries.
Back in July 2015, Navy commanders of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan held a gathering in the Russian city of Saint Petersburg to discuss the procedures for ensuring security in the Caspian Sea.
The meeting was held at Iran's suggestion.
The participants also drafted a cooperation agreement ruling out any outsider's role for security in the world's largest lake.