In Tehran, top Iranian, Saudi military brass discuss defense diplomacy
Top Iranian and Saudi Arabian military brass have discussed possible ways to improve defense diplomacy as the Israeli regime continues to significantly escalate tensions in the region.
Heading a high-ranking military delegation, Saudi Chief of General Staff General Fayyad bin Hamed al-Ruwaili arrived in Tehran on Sunday to hold talks with top Iranian military officials.
In their meeting, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri and al-Ruwaili also exchanged views about the improvement of bilateral defense cooperation.
Baqeri stressed the importance of improving bilateral cooperation in the defense sector and exchanging experience in the educational and sports sectors.
“We believe that cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces can be increased given numerous commonalities and capacities,” he said.
The top general noted that Iran is interested in participation of the Saudi Navy in Iran's naval exercises, due to be held next year.
Baqeri also hailed Saudi Arabia for hosting an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab League, which he said can reinforce convergence among Muslim nations.
He also invited the Saudi defense minister to visit Iran.
Al-Ruwaili, for his part, said the Beijing agreement is a strategic opportunity for Tehran and Riyadh to strengthen cooperation.
He added that Iran and Saudi Arabia play a leading role in boosting convergence among the Muslim and regional countries and stressed the importance of strengthening political and defense cooperation.
In a phone conversation with Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in November 2023, Iran's highest-ranking military commander said the Armed Forces are fully prepared to promote military ties with Saudi Arabia.
Baqeri and Salman also discussed key issues of the Muslim world and invited each other to visit their respective countries.
In March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed under a Chinese-brokered deal to restore diplomatic relations severed in 2016.
As part of a joint statement issued by the two sides, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to implement a security cooperation agreement signed in April 2001 and another accord reached in May 1998 to boost ties in various sectors.
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