Iran to Strengthen Syria's Air Defenses, Comprehensive Military Agreement Signed

Iran has signed a “comprehensive” agreement with Syria that includes boosting the latter’s air defense systems.

"We will strengthen Syria's air defense systems within the framework of strengthening military cooperation between the two countries," Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri said, after signing the agreement with Syrian Defense Minister Ali Abdullah Ayoub in Damascus on July 8.

The agreement provides for the expansion of military and security cooperation and the continuation of coordination between the Armed Forces of the two countries, PressTV wrote Wednesday.

The two sides, the report said, underlined the need for the withdrawal of foreign forces "illegally" deployed to the Arab country.

Other goals to be achieved with the agreement include battle against Takfiri terrorists.

Iran and Syria have signed a number of military agreements in the past. At Damascus’ request, Tehran has been providing military advisory support to the Syrian military fighting foreign-backed terrorism and militancy since 2011. The Islamic Republic says it will maintain the role as long as it is required by the Syrian government, according to reports.