Iraqi defense minister to arrive in Tehran for talks

Iraqi Defense Minister Saadoun al-Dulaimi is expected in Iran to discuss bilateral defense relations with senior Iranian officials.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, al-Dulaimi is due in Tehran on Monday at the invitation of his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan.

The Iraqi defense chief is slated to hold talks with ranking Iranian authorities on bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues.

According to reports, boosting Tehran-Baghdad defense cooperation tops al-Dulaimi’s agenda.

During a visit to Iraq in October 2012, former Iranian defense minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi called for the expansion of defense ties between the two countries, saying such partnership would contribute to regional stability and security.

Vahidi also voiced the Islamic Republic’s readiness to assist the Iraqi Armed Forces to improve their capabilities.

The visit was the first by an Iranian defense minister since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.