Senior defense officials of Iran and Azerbaijan have signed an agreement aimed at boosting defense and military cooperation between the two neighbors.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was inked in the Azerri capital, Baku, following a meeting between Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri and Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Lieutenant General Zakir Hasanov on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Baqeri said both sides explored ways to bolster bilateral defense ties during the meeting.

Iran's top military officer affirmed on Wednesday that the disputed region of Karabakh is the territory of neighboring Azerbaijan. https://t.co/msLsIgvufO — ANews (@anewscomtr) January 16, 2019

He said Iran reiterated its support for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and underlined the need for expanding cooperation in the fields of logistics and training as well as an exchange of military experiences.

Hasanov, for his part, welcomed Baqeri’s visit, saying the two sides discussed “highly important” issues.

The Azeri minister expressed confidence that the visit would further enhance “bilateral military cooperation to the highest level.”

Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri held a meeting with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on January 16, 2019.

He further said Baqeri’s visit provided the opportunity to review the activities of Iran-Azerbaijan Joint Defense Commission, saying necessary recommendation has been made to enhance its performance.

The joint commission held its first meeting in Baku in October 2017, with a high-ranking delegation from Iran’s Defense Ministry in attendance.

Heading a high-ranking military delegation, Baqeri traveled to Azerbaijan on Wednesday for a two-day visit at the invitation of the Azeri defense chief.

He also held talks with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev as well as Chairman of National Assembly Ogtay Asadov.

The Iranian official is scheduled to hold meetings with other Azeri officials, including Prime Minister Novruz Mamedov, on Thursday.