  Iran participates in a NATO gathering for the first time July 5, 2011 - 15:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - For the first time, the Islamic Republic of Iran participated in a meeting of the Mediterranean and Middle East Special Group of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in La Maddalena, Italy. According to Tehran Times, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ali Ahani, who represents the Islamic Republic and is scheduled to deliver a speech and hold talks with a number of participants at the gathering, which brought together representatives from 25 countries. The meeting will focus on the situation in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Persian Gulf region, transition of power in certain Arab countries, the role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the region, the situation in Iraq, and NATO’s operations in the Mediterranean. The NATO PA Mediterranean and Middle East Special Group (GSM) provides a forum for parliamentarians from NATO countries and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to discuss political and security issues and to enhance cooperation. As one of the first institutions to engage with the region, the NATO PA started a dialogue with MENA countries in the early 1990s. As a formal mechanism to address regional challenges, the GSM was launched in 1996.   Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".   Partner news |  Latest news Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants  Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province.Armenia calls for prohibiting threats of attacks on nuclear facilities Armenia has raised the need for a treaty prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes.Armenia says ready to extend nuclear plant’s lifetime by 10 years Armenia has taken necessary measures to extend the lifetime of its nuclear power plant until 2036.Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. |
