Iran’s defense minister met with the Saudi ambassador in Iran for talks on security and military cooperation, Tasnim News Agency said on Wednesday.
Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani met with Abdullah bin Saud al-Anzi on Tuesday and emphasized the need for “collective security without the presence of outsiders.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is fully prepared to hold joint defense and security negotiations with Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Persian Gulf region,” Ashtiani said.
He described Saudi Arabia and Iran as “two influential actors in the region” and highlighted their common interests and threats.
Ashtiani also stated that closer military and security ties would be beneficial to security and stability in the region.
Anzi stressed the significance of cooperation with Iran in the areas of defense and technology.
He said further delegations and diplomacy would boost cooperation between their defense ministries.
The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, and Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman al-Saud spoke in November on plans to expand military relations.
