Defense Minister Hails Iran-China Ties as ‘Strategic’
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami, who is on an official visit to China, underlined the importance of closer relations between Tehran and Beijing in various military areas.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Beijing on Thursday night, Brigadier General Hatami described Iran-China ties as “age-old and strategic” and said the countries’ leaders insist on efforts to boost mutual cooperation, which necessitates numerous consultations.
He further said a major part of the strategic ties between Tehran and Beijing is related to the defense sector, adding that the two countries have been enjoying a long-standing defense relationship since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
The defense minister also pointed to the objectives behind his trip to the East Asian country and said he would attend meetings with senior Chinese officials and visit a number of military and industrial sites of the country.
Heading a high-ranking delegation, Brigadier General Hatami arrived in Beijing at the official invitation of his Chinese counterpart.
As the secretary of Iran’s task force on the development of the Makran Coasts, the Iranian defense minister will also meet with a number of Chinese economic officials.
Iran and China have close diplomatic, economic, trade and energy ties, and in recent years have developed their military relations as well.
Back in November 2016, the defense ministers of Iran and China signed an agreement in Tehran to enhance the defense cooperation between the two countries.