Russian defense minister: Ties with Iran reach new heights despite sanctions
Russia and Iran’s ties have reached a new level in spite of the opposition from the US and its Western allies, Moscow’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday.
“We are determined to implement the entire set of our planned activities despite opposition from the US and its Western allies. The pressure of sanctions on Russia and Iran is proving to be futile, while Russia-Iran cooperation is reaching new highs,” Shoigu said at negotiations with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, as cited by state news agency TASS.
“Today, we have an opportunity to discuss in detail topical issues of bilateral military cooperation. Iran is Russia’s strategic partner in the Middle East,” he said.
Shoigu stated that Moscow was ready “to take further joint steps to strengthen stability and security in the Middle East.” He added: “We are pleased to note that Russia-Iran dialogue has been particularly intense
recently.”
“The high intensity of meetings confirms our common determination to continue boosting strategic defense partnership,” said Shoigu.
Ashtiani, for his part, said that Iran-Russia cooperation in regional and international arenas can guarantee the interests and security of both states, Press TV reported.
“Dealing with common challenges, including US unilateralism, is one of the important and strategic issues regarding the joint cooperation.”
Ashtiani described as successful bilateral cooperation in the counter-terrorism fight in West Asia, saying military and defense ties will definitely continue within the framework of international peace and security.
The Iranian defense minister also expressed his opposition to the presence of extra-regional forces in West Asia.
“Preserving the territorial integrity of regional countries and international borders is among the red lines of the Islamic Republic,” he said.
“In this regard, we consider the proposed 3+3 format a strategy for the peaceful resolution of problems in the Caucasus region,” he said, referring to the cooperation mechanism that features the three South Caucasus countries of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, plus Russia, Turkey, and Iran.