DUSHANBE, May 13, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- Iran’s Minister of Defense and Logistical Support for Armed Forces, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahid, arrived in Dushanbe Wednesday evening on a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Tajik counterpart, Colonel-General Sherali Khairulloyev.

During his stay in Tajikistan, Mr. Ahmad Vahid is scheduled to hold talks with President Emomali Rahmon, Chairman of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev, Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi and Defense Minister Sherali Khairulloyev, Faridoun Mahmadaliyev, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, said.

According to him, the sides are expected to discuss issues related to military and military-technical cooperation, and training of military officers for the Tajik national army at Iranian military schools.

In the meantime, Iran’s news agency IRNA reports that Brigadier General Ahmad Vahid said upon arrival in Dushanbe that he and his Tajik counterpart would sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation.

Brigadier General Ahmad Vahid who was speaking with IRNA reporter at Dushanbe International Airport added, “We hope to be able to draw new horizons for bilateral defense cooperation and a good model for constructive relations, leading to boosted security and strengthened regional stability during this visit.”

He said, “Since the Islamic Republic of Iran is pursuing the establishment and expansion of regional lasting security as a major tactical strategy, we believe that bilateral, multilateral and regional consultations can in addition to materializing that objective ensue securing the national interests of the regional nations, a well as their wellbeing, peace of mind and territorial integrity.”