Iran, China Expand Defense, Naval Cooperation
15.12.2015 MENA
General Chang Wanquan, State Councilor and Chinese Defense Minister, meets with Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari in Beijing on October 23, 2014. (Chinese Ministry of National Defense)
Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari and a visiting military delegation from China in a meeting in Tehran underlined the need for broadening of defense cooperation, namely in the naval fields, Fars News Agency (FNA) reported.
During the meeting, the Iranian and Chinese military delegations explored avenues for reinvigorating and bolstering relations between the two countries' navies.
"If the two countries' high-ranking officials agree, Iran and China will also launch joint anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden," Admiral Sayyari said.
He noted that Iran is ready to share experience with the Chinese side, adding that "during the meeting, we concentrated on issues discussed during my last year's visit to China."
Admiral Sayyari also said that the two sides discussed cooperation in warship and submarine repairs and maintenance. He also voiced the Navy's readiness to hold training courses in both Iran and China.
Admiral Sayyari also stressed Iran's readiness to exchange information on the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean and Bab al-Mandeb Strait as well as take part in joint military drills in the high seas with the Chinese Navy.
In October 2014, Admiral Sayyari visited China and conferred with senior Chinese military officials on the expansion of Tehran-Beijing military relations.
The Iranian Navy Commander then held several meetings with senior military Chinese officials. A high-ranking military delegation accompanied Sayyari in this trip.
Prior to his departure, the Iranian Commander said that his visit was aimed at boosting bilateral defense ties within the framework of the agreements endorsed during the visit of the Iranian defense minister to Beijing, training cooperation, and joint wargames.
"We try to obtain an exact assessment about the training capabilities and skillfulness of the Chinese navy during the visit to the country," he pointed out.
He said he would also discuss provision of the Iranian Navy's equipment and technical needs during his meetings in China, adding that his trip is mainly aimed at naval interaction as a first step.
In September 2014, a detachment of China's fleet of warships docked in Iran's territorial waters in the Southern port city of Bandar Abbas for the first time.
An Iranian flotilla was in the Sea of China last year to deliver Iran's message of peace and friendship to the Chinese.
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