Putin, Khamenei discuss energy cooperation, Syrian conflict

TEHRAN, November 23. /TASS/. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have discussed issues related to bilateral relationship, including energy cooperation, the situation in Syria and a number of other topics, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. "The conversation with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei lasted more than planned, more than an hour and a half. The conversation was quite positive. The leaders exchanged views on the current state of bilateral relations, including in the trade and economic cooperation as they noted presence of a big number of particular projects in the energy sector and other fields on agenda," Peskov said. "According to Khamenei, the current level of cooperation is obviously not in line with the potential of our 2 countries and the Supreme Leader expressed hope that today’s talks between Putin and Rouhani will deliver results triggering diversification of our bilateral trade and economic relations," Peskov said. Spokesperson added that the Iranian side highly assessed efforts made by the Russian side to settle the issue of Iran’s nuclear program. "The discussion mostly focused on crisis situations in the whole region, first of all the situation in Syria was discussed. A highly detailed exchange of view was in place, and unanimity of views of Moscow and Tehran was stressed regarding unacceptability of dictation of options of political settlement from outside, and lack of options to implement this political tool by the Syrian people itself," Peskov said. Read more