Tajik and Georgian defense ministers felicitated Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan on his appointment as the Iranian Defense Minister, and hoped for the expansion of ties with Tehran in all fields. Tajik Sherali Khairullayev and Georgian Irakli Alasania, in separate congratulatory messages to their Iranian counterpart, hoped for promotion of mutual cooperation with Iran to help establish permanent peace and stability in the region. Iran have recently accelerated expansion of ties and cooperation with friendly countries, including Tajikistan and Georgia, and observers believe that the good achievements gained in area of their cooperation should be deemed as a result of the efforts made by the Iranian, Tajik and Georgian officials.