Mar 11, 2012, 6:21 PM

Iran, Zimbabwe seeking to increase defense cooperation

Iran, Zimbabwe seeking to increase defense cooperation

TEHRAN, March 11 (MNA) – The Zimbabwean defense minister has called for the expansion of defense cooperation between his country and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa made the request during a meeting with Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi in Tehran on Sunday.

Mnangagwa, who came to Iran at the invitation of Vahidi, hailed the Iranian people’s revolutionary spirit and their great achievements in various fields, saying that Iran is a power which determinedly defends its territorial integrity and national interests.

Harare is keen to increase relations with Tehran in all areas, particularly in the area of defense, he stated.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Zimbabwean defense minister commented on the plots hatched against and the sanctions imposed on his country, saying Zimbabwe’s revolutionary people and its army have circumvented the sanctions and defended their independence through resistance.

Iran keen to increase defense cooperation with Zimbabwe

Vahidi stated that the Islamic Republic is keen to share its experiences with Zimbabwe in all spheres, particularly in the area of defense.

He also said that both countries have put up resistance against colonialism and the hegemony of certain global powers and expressed hope that Zimbabwe’s economy would grow despite unfair sanctions imposed on the country.

Salehi meets with Zimbabwean defense minister

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi held a meeting with the Zimbabwean defense minister on Sunday, in which he expressed hope that the relations between the two countries would increase.

Tehran is keen to share its experiences with Harare in all areas, Salehi stated, adding that officials of both countries are determined to increase ties.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Salehi commented on the strong will of the Iranian nation and said, “Despite the outsiders’ efforts meant to hinder and stop Iran’s progress through the exertion of political and economic pressure, fortunately, the Islamic Iran, through reliance on its indigenous potential, has independently succeeded in making outstanding achievements in various fields of science and technology, including achievements in the fields of peaceful nuclear (technology), aerospace, and nano(technology), and has attained self-sufficiency in the defense industry.”

Mnangagwa appreciated Iran’s achievements in the area of defense and called for closer cooperation with Tehran.

He also spoke about the situation of his country and said that the Zimbabwean people have surmounted many obstacles through the support of the government.

Zimbabwe has implemented many political and economic reforms as well as development plans despite the foreign pressure exerted on the country, Mnangagwa added.

EP/PA
END
MNA

News ID 50434

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