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Syria top focus during Iran trip of Russian Defence Minister
February 22, 2016, 5:29 am

Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani [Image: Press TV]

Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani [Image: Press TV]

Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to deliver a “special message” from his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, the official IRNA news agency cited the presidency as saying.

Shoigu, in the previously unannounced visit, arrived Sunday in Tehran, Iran’s state television reported.

The Russian Defence Minister discussed the situation regarding stability in the region and the process of negotiations for a ceasefire in Syria” with Rouhani.

Shoigu also meet his counterpart Hossein Dehghan during his trip.

The trip comes days after Dehghan visited Moscow on Tuesday, during which Shoigu said Russia and Iran were ready to step up their military cooperation.

Russia and Iran are opposed to Western attempts to overthrow the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Moscow launched air strikes in support of Syria’s government on September 30.

Tehran supports Assad by sending “military advisers” and volunteers to fight alongside the Syrian army.

Russia has authorised the delivery of S-300 anti-aircraft batteries to Iran. According to Russian and Iranian media, Iran also wants to buy Sukhoi 30 fighter jets from Russia.

 

 

TBP and Agencies