IRAN'S DEFENCE MINISTER TO HEAD FOR MOSCOW FOR DEFENSE TALKS

Iran's Defense Minister Vice-Admiral Ali Shamkhani is to leave for Moscow Wednesday for a four-day official visit to discuss arms and nuclear power deals, a spokesman of the ministry said.

"During his visit, the two sides will discuss forging of a defense, military and technical cooperation based on each country's national laws as well as (pertinent) international conventions," Keivan Khosravi told IRNA, adding that the latest regional security situation as well as international and global security concerns are also to be raised.

"The defense minister is to hold talks with Russian officials on ways of expanding ties within the framework delineated by the bpresidents of the two countries (in March)," he said.

He added that a continuation of talks on subjects covered during a visit in December to Tehran of then Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev "tops the agenda."

"Consultations, exchange of views as well as paving the way to resolving ecurity problems affecting the region and removing deterrents to the stablishment of lasting peace and stability in the region are among the ain goals behind the visit," Khosravi added. The trip is part of an ongoing rapprochement between the two states. Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev paid a visit to Tehran in December last year which was followed by a visit to Moscow by Iranian President Mohammad Khatami in March this year.