China and Iran to expand military cooperation

China and Iran will deepen practical military cooperation, jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative and safeguard regional and world peace, senior military officials said Tuesday.

General Chang Wanquan, China's defense minister, made the remarks during his meeting with Brigadier General Ghadir Nezamipour, deputy chief of staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, in Beijing Tuesday.

China and Iran have a long-standing friendship, and relations between the two countries have seen fast and healthy development in recent years, Chang said. Last year, the two nations elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, he added.

The Chinese military will keep friendly exchanges with its Iran counterparts, promote cooperation, and contribute to the development of Sino-Iran relations, he said.

Nezamipour said both nations have effective cooperation in politics, economics and culture. Iran wishes to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, deepen practical cooperation between the two militaries, and safeguard regional and world peace, he added.

On Monday, Major General Shao Yuanming, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, also met with Nezamipour in Beijing.

Shao said the two nations mutually respect and support each other’s core interests. Now, Sino-Iran military cooperation is blessed with important opportunities, and exchanges have been going on smoothly, he added.

China will work with Iran to improve military-to-military relations, and support the comprehensive strategic partnership, Shao said.

Nezamipour said Iran attaches great importance to Sino-Iran friendly relations, and hopes both sides will enhance exchanges, deepen cooperation and move military relations forward.