Iran has begun to train the Tajik military after the
signing of a defense accord last month.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding that stipulated
an expansion of defense cooperation. Officials said the MoU would pave the
way for expanded technical, logistics and educational cooperation between
the two sides.
Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani said the MoU, signed on April 23,
would help Tajik military personnel maintain and overhaul military
equipment, Middle East Newsline reported. He said the accord would provide Tajik soldiers and border guards
with training as well as military equipment.
Shamkhani said the expansion of defense and military cooperation between
Central Asia would deter foreign forces from establishing a presence in the
region. He said Iran has expanded defense and military cooperation with
Central Asian states in an effort to remove the military presence of outside
powers, an apparent reference to the United States.
Iran has been helping Tajikistan's military since 1999. Officials said
Teheran has been developing Tajikistan's nascent defense industry and made
it one of the leading sectors in Central Asia.
"If anyone even thought of betraying Tajikistan, he will think about
Tajikistan's supporter first," Tajik Defense Minister Sherali Khayrulloev
said. "Its supporter is Iran; it is Mr. Shamkhani."
