The People's Liberation Army and the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Nov. 14 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen military and defense cooperation in conventional warfare and counter terrorism.
The MoU signed by General Chang Wanquan, China's Minister of Defense and a State Councilor, and Hussein Dahkan, Minster of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (or Iran's defense ministry) also provides for joint military exercises with a view to contributing to the international fight against terrorism.
Both countries want to create "the necessary impetus for countering the scourge of terrorism."
Gen. Chang is confident the MoU will lead to improved bilateral ties in the military and defense fields. He said Beijing and Tehran share a "common vision" of the region, which provides an opportunity for improved relations between the two countries.
He earlier said the development of bilateral relations between China and Iran is not only positive for mutual interest of Chinese and Iranian peoples, but also positive for world peace and stability.
Gen. Chang said he is confident the friendly relations between the two countries, as well as their armed forces, will be further reinforced. He arrived in Tehran on Nov. 13 for a three-day visit at the invitation of Dakhan.
After signing the MoU, Dahkan said bolstering long-term military and defense cooperation with China was among the Islamic republic's top priorities.
Dakhan said the MoU represents an "upgrade in long-term military and defense cooperation with China."
Dahkan also voiced his country's hope Gen. Chang's visit will be a "turning point" in the two countries' military and defense relations, noting he also discussed recent regional developments with his Chinese counterpart.
China, the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Russia signed an agreement with Iran this year to curb Iran's nuclear program in return for the easing of Western sanctions. China's MoU with Iran apparently violates this deal.