Iran, Tajikistan discuss military cooperation

NICOSIA — Iran and Tajikistan are discussing the prospect of military cooperation and weapons sales.

The discussions are taking place during the current visit by Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani to Tajikistan. Shamkhani arrived in Dushanbe on Thursday as head of a high-ranking delegation to discuss military and security issues.

Shamkhani said his goal was to explore with Tajik officials "defense, political and security issues, especially finding formulas for the establishment of lasting security in Central Asia." He met his Tajik counterpart, Sherali Khairullayev.

The Iranian minister said Teheran has the ability to equip the Tajik miltiary. The two countries have already signed accords that provide for Iranian weapons sales to Dushanbe.

Tajikistan is regarded as one of the Islamic republic of the former Soviet Union with the closest relations with Teheran. The two countries are already said to have economic and defense ties.

Shamkhani said he would seek to improve defense relations with Tajikistan. But he did not elaborate.