IRAN REPORTS DEFENSE TIES WITH RUSSIA

NICOSIA [MENL] -- For the first time in years, Iran has reported defense and military relations with Russia.

Iran's ambassador to Russia reported defense and military cooperation between the two countries. It was the first time a senior Iranian official asserted that the two countries were engaged in defense and military projects.

"Russian-Iranian cooperation is also developing in the military and technical sphere," Iranian ambassador to Moscow Gholamreza Shafei said.

Shafei was quoted by the Russian Itar-Tass news agency as saying that Iran sought to develop cooperation with Moscow. Shafei did not cite any defense and military projects between the two countries.