Defense Min.: Aliens Are Unable To Bring Stability To The Region

Tehran, Sept 25, IRNA - Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier-General Hossein Dehqan said on Tuesday that the security of the region should be safeguarded by the regional countries and the aliens cannot restore security as they seek their own interests. He made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Iraqi Defense Minister Sadun al-Dulaymi and his entourage. Dehqan said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to equip the Iraqi army with modern hardware. An independent, unified, powerful and secure Iraq can guarantee the security of the entire region and help the region achieve more progress. Dehqan said that he was pleased with the visit of the Iraqi counterpart adding that such visits bring significant messages on this week marking the anniversary of the US-backed imposed war on Iran in 1980. Both nations proved that after the era of Saddam Hussein they merely consider brilliant relations and have nothing to do with the past, he said. Referring to deeply-rooted cultural and social affinities between the two nations, he said Iran and Iraq have been located in the most sensitive and strategic location in the region which can broaden cooperation and relations in line with mutual interests. The two governments are determined to expand relations and cooperation, Dehqan underlined. The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready through collective contribution with Iraq and other countries in the region to help restore peace and tranquility in the region, he said. He strongly condemned any conflict in Iraq and said all political wings should stand shoulder to shoulder and help bring peace and stability in the country to prepare the ground for economic development. Expansion of defense cooperation between Iran and Iraq help promote all-out cooperation, he said. The Iraqi minister for his part expressed pleasure with his visit to Iran and thanked Iranian warm hospitality. The goal of the visit was to expand defense cooperation as the Iraqi policy is based on expansion of friendship and cooperation in the region, he said. There exists ample capacities for economic cooperation which should be explored, he said adding that all should try to enhance the current level of cooperation among countries in the region to reduce threat of insecurity and instability in the region. Welcoming Iranian positive stand in dealing with the issue of Syria, he underlined that Iran and Iraq have adopted a common stand to this end. The Syrian and Iraqi nation are the victims of organized terrorism which seek to weaken independent and democratic states, said the Iraqi minister. Iraq is to fully back Iranian moderate policies based on constructive contributions, he said adding that through such policies it will be possible to resolve regional crises. The Islamic Republic of Iran with its significant and glorious civilization plays vital role in regional developments and expressed the hope to witness expansion of relations and cooperation, he said. The two ministers also paid tribute to the martyrs of the sacred defense./end