Iran, South Africa sign agreement to boost military ties

Iran and South Africa signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to boost defense and military cooperation and promote regional and international peace and stability, Tasnim news agency reported.

The agreement was signed by Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehqan and South African Minister of Defense and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula in Pretoria.

According to the agreement, the two countries would also bolster cooperation in the fields of marine security and organized crimes.

The two countries have agreed to make efforts to promote regional and international peace, stability and security and engage in a firm and all-out campaign against terrorism, both ministers told reporters.

The Iranian defense minister said all countries across the world must cooperate to root out terrorism.

"Had it not been for the resistance of countries such as Iran, Russia, Iraq and Syria, terrorists would have spilled over into other parts of the world after establishing and reinforcing their presence in this region," Dehqan was quoted as saying.

He urged friendly countries to boost their cooperation in order to counter crises and bring security and prosperity to their nations.

Also, Mapisa-Nqakula said South Africa would never forget Iran's influential support for her country in its fight against the apartheid regime.

The implementation of the MoU signed between Iran and South Africa would lead to a great leap in bilateral defense and military cooperation, she added. Endit