Defense Minister of Tajikistan Sherali Mirzo on May 16 met here with Chief of Staff of Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri.

Iranian media reports say the parties urged the need for cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Press TV says Bagheri and Mirzo discussed ways to combat terrorism in West Asia, establish security in border areas, hold joint military drills and expand military equipment. T

According to IRNA, the two also discussed regional cooperation with the focus on Afghanistan.

During the meeting, Baqheri reportedly said the armed forces of the two countries should make efforts to boost border security and increase their interaction.

"The expansion 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 was quoted as saying by Press TV.

They also exchanged views on a number of regional issues being mutual interest, focusing on Afghanistan.

The Tajik defense minister, for his part, reportedly 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, according to Press TV.

Iran’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major-General Mohammad Bagheri, heading a high-profile delegation arrived in Dushanbe on May 16 to discuss issues of expanding military cooperation with Tajikistan.  Iranian media reports say Bagheri is paying visit to Tajikistan at the official invitation of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Tajikistan.  During his stay in Dushanbe, the Iranian top general is also scheduled to meet with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and visit military bases and defense projects of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan.