AhlulBayt News Agency: Commander of the Iranian Army Ground Forces, Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi, has stressed the need for the development of a people-centered national defense, calling it necessary for the sustainable security in the country.
Addressing a conference on 'mobilization, development and sustainable security in the southeastern region of the country' on Sunday, General Jahanshahi said threats naturally decrease wherever there is "balanced and justice-oriented development."
He explained that internal defense does not only mean developing military capabilities, but also includes improving infrastructure, people's livelihoods, increasing social capital, and actively involving people in maintaining the country's stability and peace.
According to him, the Islamic Republic entered a period of reconstruction and relative stability after eight years of sacred defense, but security threats imposing significant human cost did not end completely.
Referring to the situation in the southeastern Iran, the senior commander said the region, especially Sistan and Baluchestan province has has some security issues mainly because of the activities of terrorist groups, border insecurity, and specific geographical conditions.
The conference was attended by several top commanders, including Major General Yahya Rahim-Safavi, an advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
In his address, General Rahim-Safavi described southeastern Iran as a "hidden treasure" adding that if the various capacities of the region are activated, it can bring about changes to Iran's economy within a 10-year period, comparable to the changes brought about by the discovery of oil.
He said the growth of southeastern Iran could not only change the economic, political, and social fate of this region, but the country as a whole.
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