Special units of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)’s Ground Force and the elite divisions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces have launched a large-scale joint military exercise to enhance security cooperation and strengthen counter-terrorism efforts between the two nations.
The four-day drill, codenamed “Aras Joint Exercise,” began on Sunday in the high-terrain regions of Aslan Duz County in Iran’s northwestern province of Ardabil.
Rapid reaction units from Iran’s IRGC Ground Force and the Republic of Azerbaijan’s military are engaging in the collaborative exercise.
The primary goals of this joint military exercise include bolstering the existing military ties between the two neighboring Muslim nations and furthering their joint efforts to combat terrorist organizations.
Another crucial aspect of the exercise involves safeguarding the shared borders of the two nations and fostering defense cooperation at both tactical and operational levels.
This collaboration also aims to enhance military capabilities and is in line with agreements made between the two sides to promote their mutual interests.
On November 19, military officials from Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan weighed plans to enhance defense cooperation between the two neighbors.
Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani and Azeri commander Major General Farid Aliyev discussed a range of issues during the fourth meeting of the Joint Commission on Military and Defense Cooperation in Tehran.
They talked about ways to promote military cooperation between the two countries.
The Iranian general pointed to the “significant and influential” place of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Iran’s foreign policy, stressing that the South Caucasus developments would impact Iran’s security.
For his part, General Aliyev called for closer cooperation between Baku and Tehran to ensure peace and stability in the region. He also hailed the joint military exercises between the two countries as a good example of interaction.