Russia, Iran sign defence pact

By Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW, OCT. 2. Russia and Iran have agreed to upgrade their defence ties and to step up anti-terrorist cooperation.

The visiting Iranian Defence Minister, Mr. Ali Shamkhani, signed a framework accord on long-term military- technical cooperation with his Russian counterpart, Mr. Sergei Ivanov, on Tuesday. Analysts said the accord may make Iran the third biggest arms buyer after China and India, bringing Russia $1.5 billion in defence contracts over the next five years. Moscow has tried to play down this aspect of the visit as it is anxious to improve relations with the U.S. on the basis of a common struggle against international terrorism. The defence accord with Iran ``is non- secret, complies with all norms of international law and is practically identical to the agreements Russia has signed with other countries,'' Russia's defence chief, Mr. Ivanov said.

The Russian side has put emphasis on closer co- operation with Iran in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan. The RIA Novosti news agency quoted Mr. Shamkhani as saying that Russia and Iran came out against ``double standards'' on the issue of terrorism.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : International
Previous : Russia warns CIS to stay  out of U.S. strikes
Next     : Pak.'s wild west a gun-lover's dream