The prospect of Tehran-Moscow relations in post-sanctions era is definitely promising and the two states will work in close collaboration in the future, a senior lawmaker says.
Ali Larijani, the Majlis speaker, made the remark in a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 12th Annual Meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in the Russian resort town of Sochi on Thursday, ICANA reported.
Appreciating Putin's positions on international issues expressed at the Valdai conference, Larijani described the Tehran-Moscow relationship as strong, stating that Russia has always been a key player in helping restore peace to the region and defuse political disputes.
"Russia played a constructive role in the settlement of Iran's nuclear issue," he noted, reiterating that the model for discussions between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany) proposed by Russia was such a great help in settling the long-running nuclear dispute. Highlighting Russia's support for Iran under tough circumstances, Larijani said, "We will never forget the assistance, and the two sides are expected to develop friendlier ties in the future."
Underlining the role of diplomacy in bringing an end to Iran's nuclear dispute, Putin noted, "I held helpful talks with President Hassan Rouhani in New York [on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly] and I assume Tehran-Moscow ties are closer than ever."
Expressing gratitude toward Larijani on his role in addressing regional issues, Putin said, "Iran has made a substantial contribution to the campaign against terrorism in Syria, and Moscow believes that unless Tehran plays a role in the resolution of conflicts, no peace initiative will bear fruit."
Timely Move
Speaking at the conference, Larijani said, "We see Russia's actions in the region as a timely and well-thought-out move."
On Russia's air campaign against insurgents in Syria, started on Sept. 30 on a request by the Damascus government, the lawmaker asserted, "The bombings sent a serious warning to the terrorists in the Arab country; furthermore, they have already proven to be effective."
Larijani said weapons supplied by the US and its allies to the so-called moderate militants in Syria have ended up in the hands of terrorist groups like the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front. Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. The crisis has claimed the lives of more than 250,000 people so far and displaced millions.
