TEHRAN, Sep. 20 (MNA) – Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali-Akbar Ahmadian met and held talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday on the Expansion of cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral, regional, and international issues, especially developments in the Caucasus region.

Emphasizing the expansion of all-round relations between Tehran and Moscow and the decisive fight against organized terrorism, Ahmadian and Shoigu termed the involvement of extra-regional countries as the biggest cause of insecurity and instability in the region.

The two sides also considered the expansion of regional cooperation to achieve collective security as one of the effective ways to end foreign interference.

Heading a high-ranking military delegation, Shoigu traveled to Tehran on Tuesday upon an official invitation by the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri.

Following the meeting, Bagheri said that Tehran and Moscow are working to draw up a long-term military cooperation agreement in the near future.

Earlier on Wednesday, Shoigu met with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani during which he said that relations with Iran are “reaching new highs” in defiance of the West’s pressure campaign targeting both countries.

Russia and Iran are determined to undertake planned activities despite opposition from the US and its Western allies, the minister underlined.

Shoigu’s visit comes a month after a visit to Moscow by a delegation, led by Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari, the commander of the Iranian Army’s Ground Force.

Iran and Russia are both subject to illegal Western sanctions. They have over the past years deepened their relations in various fields, including military and defense, and become close allies.

MNA/NourNews