To promote and develop joint defense and military cooperation with regional countries, the top
Iranian military official inaugurated a manufacturing plant for indigenously-developed Ababil-2
multi-role tactical unmanned aerial vehicles in Tajikistan.
The plant started operations during an official ceremony in the capital city of Dushanbe on
Tuesday, with Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General
Mohammad Baqheri, Tajik Defense Minister Colonel General Sherali Mirzo, and other high-ranking
military officials in attendance.
Bagheri noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran, thanks to the constant efforts of its
committed specialists and scientists as well as growing reliance on its domestic capabilities,
has been able to achieve impressive growth in all military and defense domains, particularly
in the production of drones.
The top military official described the opening of the Ababil-2 production plant in Tajikistan
as a turning point in military cooperation between the two countries.
God willing, we will witness greater cooperation and interaction at all military and defense
levels between Iran and Tajikistan in the future,” Bagheri noted.
On Tuesday, Bagheri also met with the Chairman of Tajikistan’s State Committee for National
Security Lieutenant General Saimumin Yatimov for talks on bilateral cooperation on border
security, regional issues as well as recent developments in Afghanistan.
The two sides emphasized the continuation of interactions, consultations, and expert
meetings on bilateral and regional issues.
Tajikistan has been grappling with the threat posed by thousands of Takfiri militants spread
across its southern border with Afghanistan ever since the Taliban came back to power
in Kabul and the US forces pulled out in August last year.
Earlier this year, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon seized on the opportunity of the Collective
Security Treaty Organization teleconference call to remind fellow leaders of the dangers
his country is facing.
The purpose of the discussion between the leaders was to consider the situation in Kazakhstan,
but Rahmon sought to make the point that there were other sources of instability as well.
“We are extremely concerned that Daesh militants, and particularly their affiliate groups, are
consolidating their positions in Afghanistan," he said.
"According to our special services, there are over 40 terrorist camps and training centers
on the border in the northeastern provinces of Afghanistan.
They number more than 6,000 militants,” Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency quoted
Rahmon as saying on January 10.
Iran, Tajikistan stress need to boost cooperation in fighting terrorism, securing borders.
The chairman of the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and the Tajik defense
minister have discussed ways to fight terrorism in West Asia, establish security in border
areas, hold joint military drills and expand military equipment.
Major General Mohammad Baqeri, who is in Dushanbe at the head of a delegation, was officially
welcomed by Colonel General Sherali Mirzo, the Tajik minister of defense, on Monday,
before sitting for talks on the two countries' relations in various fields.
During the meeting, Baqeri said the armed forces of the two countries should make efforts
to boost border security and increase their interaction.
"The development and strengthening of regional and bilateral cooperation as well as the exchange
of training [courses] and development of military cooperation in the fight against terrorism
should be a priority for the Armed Forces of the two countries," the top Iranian military
commander said.
Bagheri and Mirzo also discussed regional cooperation, focusing on Afghanistan.
The Tajik defense minister, for his part, hailed plans by Iran's Armed Forces to fight
terrorism, trafficking of illicit drugs, and organized crime in cooperation with Tajikistan.
Sherali Mirzo added that holding joint drills and developing military equipment are among
the priorities of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan and Iran.
During his stay in Dushanbe, the Iranian top general is to meet with President of Tajikistan
Emomali Rahmon and also visit the country’s military and scientific centers.