The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Read Admiral Ali Shamkhani, met with his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev in Tajikistan on Friday to discuss bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest between Iran and Russia.

Shamkhani told Patrushev that he is satisfied with the excellent level of consultations between Tehran and Moscow, stressing the need for further cooperation between both countries due to developments in the international arena.

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He also emphasized the need for strengthening strategic cooperation in order to counter the United States' unilateralist policies, adding that it seems that the sanctions imposed against Russia will not be removed once the war ends, which necessitates an integrated, long-term plan between sanctioned countries.

Pointing out the increasing economic ties between the two countries, Shamkhani said the two countries should pave the way to suitable methods for countering sanctions, turning them into an opportunity to strengthen the economies of both countries.

As for the war in Ukraine, the security official said that the West is out to distract Russia from other areas such as Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Syria, reiterating that some countries are taking advantage of the crisis in Ukraine to pursue expansionist policies in the region.

Moreover, Shamkhani said he was concerned over the situation in Afghanistan and the various terrorist groups operating in the country, adding that the lack of an inclusive government in Afghanistan is one of the main reasons behind the spread of instability and insecurity.