TEHRAN – A high-ranking Iranian military delegation is in Karachi, Pakistan, participating in the Pakistan International Arms Exhibition, IDEAS 2024. 

The delegation, led by Brigadier General Mojtaba Ramzanzadeh, was warmly greeted at Jinnah International Airport by Pakistani officials and Colonel Mohammad Mohsen Shahabi, Iran's military attaché in Pakistan. 

According to the Iranian Army's public relations office, the visit includes participation in IDEAS 2024 as well as attendance at defense and security conferences.

This year marks a significant milestone for Iran's participation in IDEAS. For the first time, the Islamic Republic has its own pavilion at the exhibition, showcasing advancements in its indigenous defense, aerospace, and electronic warfare industries. 

IDEAS 2024, organized by Pakistan's Defense Export Promotion Organization (DEPO), is themed "Weapons for Peace; Global Cooperation and Strategic Partnership."

Tuesday's opening ceremony, considered the largest event of its kind in Pakistan's defense industry, was attended by the Pakistani Prime Minister and representatives from 55 countries. 

The event promises a wide display of cutting-edge military technology from global manufacturers, including drones, submarines, missiles, tanks, weapons systems, and fighter jets.

====High-ranking bilateral meetings

According to the Army’s statement, Iran’s visiting delegation is also scheduled to hold meetings with Pakistani military leaders. 

The relationship between Iran and Pakistan has witnessed a notable deepening in recent years, marked by a concerted effort to expand bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of sectors. 

While economic and cultural ties are steadily strengthening, the expansion of military cooperation stands out as particularly significant, given that both countries confront similar threats, ranging from cross-border terrorism and drug trafficking to the destabilizing efforts of extra-regional powers. 

Reports say Tehran and Islamabad have carried out at least two joint military operations in the past year.