Iran, China agree on closer military cooperation

The Defence Ministers of China and Iran have agreed on closer cooperation on the sidelines of a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) being held in Kazakhstan.

Iran’s Brigadier General, Mohammed-Reza Astiani said: “Improved cooperation and rapprochement on both sides is needed to resolve regional and international security problems.”

He was speaking after talks with China’s Admiral Dong Jun in Astana, the Kazakh capital.

Iran is internationally isolated on account of its nuclear programme and its support of non-state militant groups in the Middle East.

It has responded by improving ties with Russia and China.

In moves to find new partners, Tehran joined the SCO in July 2023.

At the beginning of the year it joined the BRICS organisation, whose original members are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa

China has become the main customer for Iranian oil and a significant economic partner.

The two countries signed a 25-year cooperation agreement in 2021. (dpa/NAN)