President Hassan Rouhani said Iran and Russia should continue their cooperation to help restore peace and stability to the region, particularly in war-torn Syria.
"Close relations and cooperation between Iran and Russia regarding Syria as well as regional peace and security have been effective. We should continue this cooperation until stability returns to Syria and the region," Rouhani said in a meeting with Russia's State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin in Tehran on Monday, ISNA reported.
The president said the two sides have similar views on most international issues, adding that their "valuable" alliance with other regional governments is in the interest of the Middle East.
Iran and Russia, which strongly support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, are cooperating closely with Turkey in recent months to help end the bloody conflict fighting in the Arab state after seven years of infighting that has killed more than half a million people.
In their recent trilateral meeting in Ankara on April 4, the presidents of the three countries pledged to accelerate their efforts to help bring stability to Syria, underlining their joint commitment to help “ensure calm on the ground”.
Rising Influence
Rouhani told Volodin that western countries have been critical of Russia because of its regional status and are seeking to curb its influence.
Iran is facing the same problem and thus enhanced Tehran-Moscow relations can help the sides to resist the hostile powers, he added.
Western states have often criticized the role of Iran and Russia in Syria, warning them over their support for the embattled Syrian ruler. Both countries say they have been helping the Damascus government at its request, arguing it is the West that is interfering in Syria’s internal affairs and threatening regional stability.
Rouhani noted that the Iranian and Russian parliaments play a significant role in paving the way for expansion of the "strategic" bilateral ties in all areas, which can and should help resolve many issues at the local, regional and international levels. "There is great potential for the two countries to collaborate in various fields, including peaceful energy programs, oil and gas, economic issues, banking and trade services."
The senior Russian lawmaker said Tehran and Moscow face similar challenges in the regional and international arenas and are determined to stay united and draw up a roadmap for further interaction.
Volodin said the State Duma will support any effort and decision made by senior Iranian and Russian officials toward building a stronger partnership.
