TEHRAN (FNA)- Russian Defense Minister General Sergey Shoigu underscored Iran's important regional role, and voiced his country's support for Tehran's approach and position on its peaceful nuclear program."Iran is a key country in the establishment of security in the region and those who don't realize this fact should have been misled," Shoigu said in a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan in Tehran on Tuesday morning.
He appreciated Iran's constructive approach to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, and said, "Russia has and does support this constructive approach."
Russia is a member of the Group 5+1 which has been in talks with Iran over its nuclear program for the last several years.
Shoigu also welcomed the Iranian president's policy of expanding relations with Russia, and described deepening of defense and technical ties with Tehran as a main contributor to regional and international security and stability.
Stressing that the two countries face common challenges and threats, he said, "Iran and Russia can confront these challenges and threats through cooperation and assisting each other."
"We highly value the Islamic Republic of Iran's actions in fighting terrorism and drug trafficking and we want joint cooperation (with Iran) in this field," the Russian minister stated.
Shoigu arrived in Tehran on Monday night for a two-day visit at the invitation of his Iranian counterpart.
General Dehqan and General Shoigu are slated to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defense and military cooperation.
In October 2013, Brigadier General Dehqan underlined the necessity for the development of defense relations and cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, calling it as an important contributor to the strengthening of stability and security in the region and the world.
Dehqan had made the remarks in response to a message by his Russian counterpart who had felicitated him on his appointment as Irans new defense minister.
In his message, Dehqan had stressed Russias special position in Irans foreign policy, and said continued defense cooperation between the two countries was a major contributor to consolidation of regional and global stability and security.
Shoigu had also in his message underscored Russias willingness to expand friendly relations with Iran in various defense sectors.
By Fars News Agency
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