The chairman of the Expediency Council said terrorist groups are growing because the process of policy-making in the world is influenced by political motivations rather than wisdom and logic.
In a meeting with the Russian ambassador to Tehran on Sunday, Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said, "If the decisions were made on the basis of wisdom and logic rather than political motivations, today we would not witness an increase in the number of terrorist groups, which threaten the future of the world," IRNA reported.
Highlighting the significance of interaction, understanding and negotiations among the world's states in dealing with regional and international challenge, Rafsanjani said, "With growing political problems in the world community, the countries, especially those with close relations, should increase their meetings, talks and consultations to seek solutions for the challenges."
The head of the Expediency Council touched on the long-standing cooperation between Tehran and Moscow in addressing regional and international issues and said, "There is great potential for promotion of cooperation between the two countries in political, economic, cultural and social spheres."
He also pointed to increased cooperation between the two states after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and said, "Iran and Russia should take stances on (world) issues taking account of their shared views and positions."
Touching on the potential for enhancing Tehran-Moscow ties, he stated, "Neighborliness, joint borders in the Caspian Sea, and the rich resources in the two courtiers provide the best opportunities for promotion of relations and putting up resistance against the West's sanctions."
Praising the "historic role" of Ayatollah Rafsanjani in the resumption and expansion of Iran-Russia relations, the Russian ambassador to Tehran said, "We are prepared to pursue the objectives which were initially set by your majesty (Rafsanjani) and the former Soviet Union's officials, since all the treaties were in line with the two countries' interests."
Levan Jagarian referred to the West's "failed policy" of imposing sanction on Iran and Russia and reiterated, "The imposition of sanctions on the countries which enjoy rich God-given resources has proved to be inefficient, and the West would be well-advised to engage in dialogue instead of using sanctions."
On the future of the Iran-Russia relationship, Jagarian said, "The interests of the two nations demand increased Tehran-Moscow relations."
