Iranian and Russian defense ministries are in talks to conclude an agreement to have Iran’s naval needs fulfilled by Russia, a top Iranian commander announced.
Speaking to Tasnim News Agency on Sunday, Deputy Navy Commander Rear Admiral Gholamreza Bigham said the navy has informed Russia of its demand for certain naval equipment, particularly for marine rescue and relief.
He noted that in addition to Russia, bilateral talks with the Republic of Azerbaijan, “Iran’s age-old neighbor”, have been held on the sidelines of a 2015 meeting among navy commanders of the Caspian Sea littoral states in Saint Petersburg, Russia. “Though the negotiations are within the purview of the defense ministries, Iran’s Navy has let Russia know about its demands,” Bigham added. The commander also said the Caspian states are moving to finalize an agreement on holding a joint naval war game, with the purpose of strengthening ties and announcing that the Caspian Sea belongs to its littoral countries.
Back in July 2015, navy commanders of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan attended a gathering in Saint Petersburg to discuss the procedures for ensuring security in the Caspian Sea.
The meeting was held at Iran’s suggestion.
Participants drafted a cooperation agreement ruling out any outsider’s role for providing security in the world’s largest lake.
