Harare — IRAN will set up a helicopter repair, maintenance and training centre in Zimbabwe, Teheran's Ambassador in Harare Mr Rasoul Momeni has said.

The centre will benefit Zimbabwean technicians as well as their counterparts across Africa.

In an interview at the Air Force of Zimbabwe Headquarters in Harare yesterday, Ambassador Momeni said: "Iranian technicians will be coming into Zimbabwe in a few weeks to finalise the setting up of a helicopter maintenance base.

"The move will see the whole African region benefiting. We share strong ties with Zimbabwe in areas of military co-operation.

"We have been training AFZ technicians in maintaining and repairing helicopters.

"Zimbabwe has a highly literate and professional force; they are in their own class in the region.

"We expect they will benefit greatly from this arrangement."

AFZ Commander Air Marshal Perrance Shiri confirmed the development, adding, "We are so excited about the arrangement as it brings expertise from Iran close to the users or students.

"We have agreed on areas of co-operation. Iranians are experts, they are some of the hardest working, professional and committed people I have ever seen on this planet.

"Plans are also underway to send our pilots for training to Iran although we are still working on the modalities.

"The move will not only benefit Zimbabwe, but also the region as a whole.

"The base would not necessarily be in AFZ premises, but we are definitely an interested party."