Iran defense min deplores support by certain regional states to terrorism

Tehran, Dec 13, IRNA – Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan on Tuesday deplored support of certain regional states to terrorism which has escalated humanitarian crisis and conflict in the region. Dehqan made the remarks in a meeting with South African Defense Minister Mapisa-Nqakula. He called for collective cooperation of all countries to annihilate terrorism, saying that if resistance of Iran, Russia, Iraq and Syria had not existed, terrorists would have descended to other points in the world after they made settlement in the region. Expressing pleasure with his visit to South Africa, the homecountry of Nelson Mandela, the icon of campaign against apartheid, he hoped that his visit would open a new chapter in Tehran-Pretoria defense-military relations. Regional and global situation requires boosting interaction and cooperation between all friendly countries to stem the humanitarian crises and ensure welfare and security of the nations, he said. Given their numerous capacities in all fields for cooperation, the two countries can play a crucial role to help resolve the regional crises and anti-terrorism campaign. Mapisa-Nqakula, for her part, thanked Iran nation and government for its revolutionary stance vis-à-vis apartheid, saying, 'We will never forget Tehran's effective and memorable support.' He said that after collapse of apartheid, good ties were established between the two countries and Mandela paid a visit to Iran. The South African defense minister said that signing eight cooperation deals, promoted bilateral ties to higher levels, and that defense-military cooperation deal to be signed today will also reinforce mutual relations. Criticizing UN and UN Security Council's structures and imposing oppressive sanctions against Iran, she said that her country will seize the opportunity emerged following nuclear deal to strengthen cooperation with Iran. The two ministers also discussed bilateral and regional issues during the meeting. They signed a memorandum of understanding on defense-military cooperation today. After signing the deal, the two ministers told reporters that endeavors for promoting peace, stability and security in the region and world and all- out campaign against terrorism are among the major pivots of the MoU. Dehqan arrived in Pretoria on Tuesday at the head of high-ranking defense-military delegation upon the invitation of Defense Minister Mapisa-Nqakula. 1378/IRNA