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Putin: Defense Coop. With Iran “Inevitable”

Putin: Defense Coop. With Iran “Inevitable”
Putin: Defense Coop. With Iran “Inevitable”

Defense Minister Lieutenant General Hossein Dehqan met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kremlin Palace on Tuesday and discussed bilateral, regional and international issues.

President Putin expressed his satisfaction over expansion of defense and security cooperation between the two countries.

This cooperation is "natural" and "inevitable" and in line with the interests of the two neighbors, Putin was quoted as saying by IRNA.

Putin also welcomed Iran back to the international community after the implementation of the nuclear deal between Iran and P5+1 (the US, Russia, France, China and Britain, plus Germany), saying that it is the natural right of the country.

Dehqan acknowledged President Putin's influential role in resolving regional crises aimed at rooting out terrorism. He stressed that the goal will only be achieved via close cooperation and coordination.

"It can present a cooperation model in the region," he said.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin was another high-ranking authority met by the defense minister in Moscow.

The officials discussed military technologies as a potential field of bilateral cooperation. The two sides said this cooperation will be essential to help restore peace, stability and security to the region.

In a meeting between Dehqan and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, the latter clarified that the launch of mutual projects depends on the approach of Iran and Russia toward the campaign against terrorism.

"We seek longstanding relations in the [military] field between Iran and Russia," Shoigu added.

In this meeting, Dehqan stated that he will attend the Conference on International Security scheduled for 27-28 April in Moscow.

Settling the S-300 Case

One of the results of the high-ranking officials' visits of the two countries in the past year is expected to become manifest on Wednesday.

According to Sputnik, Iran's defense minister is slated to participate in a ceremony to mark the delivery of the first part of the Russian S-300 air defense system to Iran via the Caspian Sea.

“Hossein Dehqan will participate in the ceremony of delivering the S-300 in Astrakhan on Thursday,” the source told Sputnik on Wednesday.

Considering Iran's interest in strengthening its military and defense ties with Russia, experts speculate that Iran will not be content with cooperation over air defense systems.

"What Iran needs is more than just air defense missiles and systems but an integrated air defense [network], comprising short-, medium- and long-range components. It could be created using Russian technology and innovations. Another important component is a large shipment of Su-30 fourth-generation multirole fighters," said Igor Korotchenko, a journalist, military expert and director of the Center for Analysis of World Arms Trade to RIA Novosti.

 

Financialtribune.com