Iran defence minister says Tehran-Baku defense cooperation not against 3rd state

IRNA web site, Tehran
23 Dec 04

Baku, 23 December: Iran’s Defence Minister Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani
said on Thursday [23 December] that Tehran-Baku defence cooperation
is not against a third country and would not be affected by any other
country neither.

Speaking in a meeting with Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov,
Shamkhani said he is visiting Baku to prepare necessary conditions
for mutual cooperation in different defensive fields.

Somewhere in his remarks, Shamkhani said the historical and cultural
background and geographical location of Iran and Azerbaijan provide
a suitable ground for expansion of the two-way ties.

He said Iran’s foreign policy attaches special significance to
promotion of the two-way relations with the Caucasus states regarding
the role and impact of the region on the international scene and
regional events.

The Minister stressed the need for regional states to fight terrorism,
drugs trafficking and organized crimes.

Mammadyarov in return stressed there is no obstacle on the way of
expansion of bilateral relations, saying promotion of ties with the
Islamic Republic of Iran is of high importance for Azeri government
and nation.

Commenting on security in the Caspian Sea, Mammadyarov said the Sea
should continue to remain the symbol of peace and friendship.

The Azeri official also stressed implementation of the agreements
reached between Iran and Azerbaijan in the course of President
Mohammad Khatami’s Baku visit in 2004, which marked a turning point
in the Iran-Azerbaijan relations.

He thanked Iran for its support for Azerbaijan’s stances on the
international level.

Shamkhani arrived in Baku on Wednesday for a two-day visit, heading
a defence-political delegation.

He has met and conferred with Azeri President and Defence Minister
since Wednesday.