Iran, Afghanistan discuss defense cooperation
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, Dec 13, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi on Tuesday underlined the need for Iran-Afghanistan defense and military cooperation.
He made the remark in a meeting with visiting Afghan Deputy Defense Minister Homayoon Fozi in Tehran.
Pointing to cultural and historical commonalties between the two countries, he said holding the first meeting of joint military and defense cooperation commission in Tehran indicates Iran's support for Afghanistan and its security.
Salehi also expressed Iran's readiness to strengthen defense cooperation with Afghanistan by training its defense forces.
Referring to the intrusion of the US spy drone into Iranian airspace from its eastern borders, Salehi said Iran is serious in protecting its national security.
Salehi described the foreign military bases in the region as a source of insecurity and said 'We are sure Afghan forces are able to maintain the security of its boarders and that we are opposed to any decision to sign any contracts to maintain US military bases in Afghanistan.'
Fozi thanked Iran for its serious participation in Istanbul and Bonn meetings on Afghanistan and lauded Iran's positive and sincere approach to Afghanistan.
He added that Afghanistan considers Iran as one of its best friends and will never let any country threaten Iran from its soil.
He pointed to the holding of the first meeting of joint military and defense cooperation commission in Tehran and underlined the need for Iran-Afghanistan cooperation in different fields of interests.
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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30710166
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