Iranian, Russian FMs discuss int'l issues, boosting bilateral ties

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced Wednesday that the work on close relations between Russia and Iran is in its final stage, stressing that it is of strategic importance.

In a press conference with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Moscow, Lavrov said, "We are satisfied with the way our bilateral relations are developing; they have reached a new qualitative level, which will be determined in a major agreement between the two countries. The work on this document is in its final stages now. It will be of strategic importance and will set the basic guidelines for continuing to build the full scope of Russian-Iranian relations in the coming decades."

He added that Moscow had drawn up an economic road map and that "economic cooperation between Russia and Iran amounted to $4 billion last year, and we expect it to rise in the coming year."

Lavrov pointed out that Russia "will not accept the Western approach that dictates the world, but rather believes in the charter and regulations of the United Nations."

He also confirmed that he had discussed with Amir-Abdullahian the nuclear agreement and that the latter "praised the Russian stance that supports lifting sanctions on Iran."

Lavrov revealed that Moscow and Tehran also discussed Iran's accession as a permanent member to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during the upcoming Samarkand summit, and the two sides also discussed the settlement in Syria and the outstanding issues due to Western sanctions that undermine the work of the United Nations.

He added that "globalization was only for private purposes related to the United States and its followers."

Lavrov explained that "Iran and Russia are cooperating especially in the nuclear and energy fields," revealing that "there is procrastination in the nuclear negotiations on the part of Washington."

In another context, Lavrov said that "work is underway to demarcate the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to link transportation between the two countries with Russia."

Amir-Abdullahian: We are boosting our energy cooperation with Russia 

For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that "Tehran has received a message from a European official regarding the fighting in Ukraine," adding that Moscow is doing its best to avoid damage to the Zaporozhye nuclear plant.

He added: "Iran is on the right track with Russia to serve the two peoples and seeks to bolster trade cooperation."

He explained that "Tehran supports the formation of an inclusive Afghan government that represents all parties in the country."

As for Syria, Amir-Abdollahian said, "Iran will follow the Astana process in order to resolve the crisis in Syria," pointing out that "Iran and Russia will continue the Astana process in order to resolve the Syrian crisis."

Read more: Syria rejects Turkey pretexts for aggression at Astana 18 talks

He also pointed out that Tehran "supports dialogue in Yemen in order to resolve humanitarian crises," adding that Iran has the same stance toward Iraq and wishes the country stability.

"We are strengthening our cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, and there are many areas that we seek to develop, " Amir-Abdollahian said, revealing that "the Mir payment system is being developed between Russia and Iran."

Regarding the Iranian nuclear file, Amir-Abdollahian said, "We received the US response and took a careful look at it, and we need reliable guarantees," adding, "We pay great attention to guarantees and lifting sanctions, and we are optimistic," noting that "the Iranian negotiators have been working for months in Vienna in order to reach a good agreement."

It is noteworthy that Lavrov made an official visit to Tehran on June 22, during which he discussed with his Iranian counterpart the issue of canceling visas and increasing trade between the two countries.

Also, the good relations and rapprochement between Russia and Iran in many areas raise the concern of the United States of America and "Israel".

Read: Israeli media: Russian-Iranian tech cooperation worries 'Israel', US