Tehran, Moscow to Continue Anti-Terror Cooperation

President Hassan Rouhani said the Islamic Republic and Russia will proceed with their "strategic" cooperation in the campaign against terrorism until the elimination of this malicious phenomenon across the Middle East.

"There is strategic cooperation between Iran and Russia to fight terrorism and such cooperation will continue until the eradication of terrorism in the region," Rouhani said in a meeting with Russia's Federation Council Chairperson Valentina Ivanovna Matviyenko in Tehran on Monday, Press TV reported.

"Terrorist groups are dangerous for the entire region and the world, and we must continue to fight against these groups together until the eradication of terrorism and the establishment of stability, and the will of the Syrian people over their country's affairs."

The president also said Russia is an important friend and neighbor of the Islamic Republic and added that the two countries have common interests in the region and the world.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran's resolve is to expand relations with the Russian Federation in all fields," he said.

Rouhani urged Tehran and Moscow to make use of the opportunities created after the implementation of last year's nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, between Iran and major powers to improve ties in economic, cultural, scientific and technological fields.

He said developing banking and economic cooperation, facilitating customs-related issues and visa issuance process can speed up bilateral trade ties.

  Common Stance

The Russian Parliament chairperson said Tehran and Moscow have a common stance on the fight against terrorism.

She said Russia calls for the expansion of all-out cooperation with Iran and noted that JCPOA opened new horizons of cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, particularly in energy and nuclear fields.

Heading a high-ranking political and economic delegation, Matviyenko arrived in Tehran on Sunday for an official two-day visit. She met Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani on Sunday and attended a joint press conference. She also had a meeting with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday.

Matviyenko's visit to Tehran comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to Iran on November 23, 2015, and held meetings with the Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani.

Putin also participated in the third summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Tehran.