Iran, Tajikistan Can Help Security in Afghanistan: Top Commander
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri highlighted the role that military cooperation between Iran and Tajikistan could play in the establishment of peace and security in neighboring Afghanistan.
In a meeting with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, held in Dushanbe on Tuesday, Major General Baqeri said the expansion of military interaction with Tajikistan is among the main priorities of Iran given the two countries' strategic position in the West Asia region.
"Strengthening, upgrading and developing the level of joint military interaction and relations between the two countries and increasing cooperation in various military fields are among the important priorities of Iran's Armed Forces with Tajikistan," Baqeri said, Press TV reported.
He also expressed hope that the two countries would accelerate the improvement of military and defense cooperation in the future.
The senior Iranian commander further stressed the importance of promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan as a neighbor and friendly country and said, "The Armed Forces of the two countries can help Afghanistan establish security and peace by developing military and regional cooperation."
Rahmon, for his part, said Tajikistan's Armed Forces welcomes the expansion of military and defense cooperation with Iran.
The Tajik president pointed to the inauguration of a manufacturing plant for an Iranian drone in his country earlier in the day and added that such cooperation should reach its highest level in all military fields.
He noted that cultural commonalities are still regarded as the main basis for strengthening ties between the two nations and added that common historical and linguistic bonds have provided unparalleled conditions for further development of relations in defense, military, cultural, political and economic areas.
During his visit to Tajikistan, Major General Baqeri inaugurated a factory manufacturing Ababil-2 military drones in Dushanbe.
The Iranian Defense Ministry has developed several versions of Ababil pilotless aircraft so far.
In April, the Iranian Army unveiled Ababil-5 drone with a new design of nosecone that has improved its aerodynamic efficiency and reduced radar cross-section.