Tehran, Beijing Intent on Boosting Military Ties

Major General Baqeri, who is on an official visit to China, said today that Iran and China are willing to develop long-term defense and military cooperation in parallel with the political and economic ties.

He told reporters that relations between Iran and China has been promoted to a strategic level since 2016 and the comprehensive plan of development has been exchanged between the two states.

He said that China is an important country in Asia and in the world as well, adding that cooperation with China in various fields is of prime importance to Iran.

Elaborating on agenda of his visit, Baqeri said it was necessary at the moment to discuss strategic, technical and military issues with Chinese counterparts.

He went on to say that developments in Sastern and South-Western Asia and also the world will be reviewed during the trip.

Referring to his plan to visit marine base and Chinese navy equipment in Shanghai, he said that he will discuss with Chinese officials their plan in the Sea on Southern China due to the fact that it has been threatened by the US.

Pointing to Iran-China joint technical, industrial and military commissions, he said the joint military commission of both countries will be held during the visit.

The commission is to discuss issues related to training, drills and military subjects, Baqeri said.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Iranian commander referred to upcoming presence of a Chinese military delegation in Iran to hold technical, industrial and military commissions.

Baqeri, heading a high-profile military delegation, arrived in China early on Wednesday to discuss regional developments.

Baqeri's trip is upon the official invitation of Li Zuocheng, Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission.

During his stay, Baqeri is to hold meeting with Chinese high-ranking military officials.

Reviewing regional developments, reinforcing military relations and developing cooperation are on agenda of the visit.

Late in last month, Iran's Deputy Defense Minister General Abdolkarim Banitorofi said that his country is waiting for the removal of arms embargos to study purchase of fighter jets from different countries, including China.

Back in April, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi visited China where he attended the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy with increasing naval interaction atop his agenda of talks with Chinese officials.

Heading a high-ranking military delegation, Khanzadi began his trip this morning upon an official invitation by his Chinese counterpart.

Before leaving Tehran, Khanzadi said the most important goal of his trip was to develop interaction and contact between the navies of Iran and China.

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