Iran, China Call For Increased Naval Co-op

Beijing, Oct 23, IRNA – Visitig Navy Commander of Iran Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayari and Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan called for increased bilateral maritime cooperation in a meeting here on Thursday. Commander Sayyari arrived in China on October 19 on an official visit which takes place upon an invitation by his Chinese counterpart Admiral Wu Shengli. The Iranian commander termed his meeting with the Chinese defense minister as an opportunity for further enhancement of cooperation between naval and armed forces of Iran and China. Commander Sayyari expressed satisfaction with the growing ties between the two nations in different areas noting that relations between naval forces of the two countries could prepare the ground for the increase of all-out relations. The Chinese defense minister, for his part, said that Iran and China enjoy mutual interests in all fields and that the visit to China by the Iranian navy commander could pave the way for further cooperation in new areas. Wanquan referred to ancient cultures of both countries as a base for promotion of bilateral relations./end