Iran’s defense minister meets Tajik officials

DUSHANBE, May 15 (MNA) – Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi has held talks with the Tajik president, parliament speaker, defense, and foreign ministers.

During a meeting with Tajik President Imam Ali Rahmon in Dushanbe on Thursday, Vahidi said Tehran is ready to share its experiences with Dushanbe in military trainings and manufacturing military equipment.

Rahmon, for his part, said Iran-Tajikistan cooperation should include both military and non-military areas.

He added that expansion of ties would benefit both nations.

The increased regional cooperation would strengthen peace and security in the region, the Tajik leader opined.

In a separate meeting with Tajik Parliament speaker Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev on Thursday, Vahidi underscored the significance of parliamentary relations between the two Persian-speaking countries.

The minister said parliamentary cooperation will facilitate ties in other areas.

Ubaidulloyev also said, “Iran is a model of democracy in the region.”

Ubaidulloyev said Dushanbe is proud of having defense cooperation with Tehran.

On Thursday, Vahid and his Tajik counterpart Shir-Ali Kheirollahev signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation.

Iran and Tajikistan vowed to cooperate on military trainings and technicalities.

Vahidi arrived in Dushanbe on Wednesday upon an invitation by his Tajik counterpart.