TEHRAN (Dispatches) -- Iranian Navy chief Rear Admiral Hussein Khanzadi, who is Qingdao at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Shen Jinlong, has announced Tehran’s readiness to expand naval cooperation with the Asian giant.
"There are very good capacities for military cooperation between the navies of the two countries and we hope that this trip will lead to many achievements in this regard," Khanzadi said.
The two countries have long been close partners. Some domestically-produced Iranian weaponry, such as air defense systems, naval missiles, armored vehicles, artillery and small arms, are based on Chinese models.
The two countries signed an agreement to boost defense cooperation in November 2016.
Khanzadi is in Qingdao to attend China’s navy parade to mark its 70th anniversary at which the military is expected to display new warships including nuclear submarines and destroyers.
The Iranian navy chief said he was participating as the representative of the Iranian armed forces, given the high importance of the international event.
His visit indicates the mutual understanding of the two countries and their armed forces, the commander added.  
Khanzadi also expressed hope that Iranian and Chinese navies would strengthen "educational, technical and operational” cooperation in the near future.
Iran and China have close diplomatic, economic, trade and energy ties, and in recent years have developed their military relations as well.