Beijing, Sept 10, IRNA – General Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forcesis visiting China to discuss regional and bilateral defense cooperationbetween the two countries at a time when the two Asian nations areconsolidating their ties, opening a new chapter in Tehran-Beijing relations.
General Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General MohammadHossein Baqeri is set to meet senior Chinese defense authorities in a bidto discuss regional and international developments as well as bilateralrelations.
Iran and China have long been keen on developing their ties logically andlegitimately, defying the US unilateral and cruel sanctions against Iranthat have failed to prevent expanding ties between Tehran and Beijing.
One of the crucial stepping stones in Iran-China defense cooperation is anagreement to boost defense-military cooperation and fight terrorism thatthe two sides signed in 2016.
Following the signing of the agreement in Tehran, then Chinese DefenseMinister General Chang Wanquan said that Iran has an important position inthe region in political, economic, security, military and cultural fields.
He added that the two countries have common interests in many regional andglobal issues which have prepared the ground for the expansion ofdefense-military cooperation.
What’s on the agenda of Major General Baqeri’s visit to China is creationof a joint military commission between Tehran and Beijing.
Iranian and Chinese authorities believe that their bilateral defensecooperation will boost lasting peace and security in the region.
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The US military presence in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East as well asthe East and South China Sea is what further binds Tehran-Beijing thatbelieve that foreign military presence in their respective regions is thesource of instability.
Major General Baqeri’s visit sends a clear message to the world thatIranian-Chinese relations are deeply developed and that they arecomprehensive based on mutual trust and understanding each other’s nationalinterests.
The Iranian defense minister is also set to meet and hold talks with seniorstrategic Chinese officials and visit industrial and scientific centers aswell as deliver a speech at the PLA National Defense University.
China is also expected to take part at a major military exercise betweenIran and Russia in the Indian Ocean that is set to take place in the nearfuture.
What’s clear is that Major General Baqeri’s visit to China will open a newchapter in Tehran-Beijing defense cooperation.
