Iran, Iraq stress necessity for boosting defence ties

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan and his Iraqi counterpart Sadun Farhan Al-Dulaymi, in a meeting in Tehran on Tuesday, explored avenues for bolstering and reinvigorating the bilateral defense ties between the two neighboring nations. The Iranian and Iraqi defense ministers underlined the need for the further expansion of the bilateral ties and mutual cooperation between the two countries. Brigadier General Dehqan pointed to the deep cultural and social bonds between the Iranian and Iraqi nations, and said, “We believe that boosting defense cooperation between Iran and Iraq will result in regional balance and consolidation of peace, security and stability in the region.” He reiterated that Iran is ready to do its best to help establish peace and tranquility in the region through mutual cooperation with Iraq and all the other friendly and neighboring countries. The Iraqi defense minister, for his part, pointed to the status quo in the Iran-Iraq relations, and said, “Our visit to Iran is aimed at a further consolidation and expansion of defense cooperation (between the two states) because the Iraqi government pursues enhancement of friendship and cooperation in the region.” Al-Dulaymi also pointed to the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War, and said, “The war that Saddam imposed on the two countries’ nations has increased the Iraqi government’s incentive for more intimate relations with Iran.” The Iraqi defense minister said that the several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between Iran and Iraq since 2005 show that the two countries are resolved to further broaden their bilateral defense relations and cooperation. Al-Dulaymi is heading a high-ranking delegation to Iran, and his visit takes place at the invitation of Brigadier General Dehqan. The Iraqi army’s chief of staff as well as the Muslim country’s ground force, air force and navy commanders are accompanying Al-Dulaymi during his visit to Iran, which will be his second since he was appointed as Iraq’s defense minister. The Iraqi defense minister is also due to discuss regional and international issues in his meetings with senior Iranian officials. Iran and Iraq have enjoyed growing ties ever since the overthrow of the former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, during the 2003 US invasion of the Muslim country.