Russia and Iran discusses broadening of defense relationship

Commander of the Iranian forces participating in the International Army Games 2016 in Moscow Brigadier General Vali Madani and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in a meeting in Russia’s capital on Sunday discussed boosting defense relations between the two countries.

“Iran and Russia have the needed capacities to broaden their mutual cooperation in the defense field,” Brigadier General Madani said on Sunday.

The meeting was held after the official inauguration of the International Army Games 2016 in Moscow today.

Brigadier General Madani also voiced his satisfaction over the incumbent friendly relations between Tehran and Moscow.

The Russian defense minister, for his part, said that Tehran and Moscow are resolved to expand their defense relations.

In a relevant development on Saturday, Brigadier General Madani underlined that military relations between Iran and Russia will be further strengthened and enhanced.

The International Army Games 2016 are expected to facilitate strengthening of international cooperation among the armed forces of various countries, Brigadier General Vali Madani, also a member of the panel of judges at the Games, told reporters in Alabino region, Moscow.

“Iran’s Armed Forces have good relations with Russia. We are sure the competitions will strengthen them more,” Madani said, noting Iranian servicemen were newcomers at the Army Games although “they have fought in real battles and undergone proper training”.

“The competitions are held at a very high level. We are grateful to Russia for holding these very significant competitions. We are looking forward to winning them,” he concluded.

The Games are scheduled to take place between July 30 and August 13 simultaneously at 20 training grounds, where 19 of them are at three military districts: Western, Southern and Central: from Siberia to Kaliningrad in the West and from St. Petersburg to Sevastopol in Crimea.

Naval competitions are to be in the waters of the Baltic, Black and Caspian Seas. This year, unlike the previous years, the Games take place in two countries – Russia and Kazakhstan.

The Games’ program has 23 competitions in field, air and marine training. Eleven countries have sent their representatives to observe the competitions.