Iran’s highest-ranking military commander has called for the armed forces of the Islamic Republic and Turkey to keep conducting joint drills.

Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri made the remarks in a phone call with Turkey’s newly-appointed National Defense Minister Yasar Guler on Thursday.

The Iranian commander said Iran and Turkey are “good and strategic” neighbors. “The border between the two countries necessitates the continuation of bilateral cooperation.”

Baqeri invited the new Turkish national defense minister to visit Iran.

Meanwhile, Guler said it was paramount to both countries to improve military cooperation.

The Turkish minister commended Iran’s brotherly and friendly assistance to his country’s people affected by a devastating earthquake that rocked southern Turkey in February.