Iranian defense minister visit to Saudi Arabia

Iranian Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Ali Shamakhani has described his visit to Saudi Arabia, due to start today, as very important.

He said that this visit is an occasion to exchange viewpoints with Saudi Arabia on issues of concern to the two countries, especially in regard to joint security and defense cooperation.

In a statement to the Saudi daily Okaz issued on Sunday, Lt. Gen. Shamakhani said, "There are several issues we are interested to discuss with the Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz as well as consultations on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

For his part, the Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Rida Nouri, said in a similar statement to Okaz issued on Sunday that the Iranian defense minister will discuss with Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz several issues of joint interest and means of strengthening Saudi- Iranian relations.

He stated that an Iranian military delegation including branches of the Iranian armed forces will accompany Lt. Gen. Shamakhani in his visit to Saudi Arabia.