Javanfekr: Iran-Russia Should Play More Active Role In Regional, Global Developments

Tehran, June 13, IRNA - Managing Director of the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) Ali Akbar Javanfekr said on Tuesday that Tehran and Moscow should upgrade current level of mutual relations and play much active role in managing the world. Javanfekr made the remarks in a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Tehran Levan Dzhagaryan on Tuesday. To attain this goal, it is necessary for Tehran and Moscow to enhance their political, cultural and economic cooperation, he said. Referring to regional developments, Javanfekr said new political changes in the decision making body of Russia and return of Putin to the country’s political scene have created a new horizon in international relations which requires more attention on the part of Moscow to its grave responsibility in meeting the world’s demands. Referring to the upcoming visit of Russian foreign minister to Tehran, he said expansion of relations will be to the benefit of both countries and this will increase the responsibilities of both sides. On the upcoming nuclear talks between Iran and G5+1 in Moscow, Javanfekr said “We expect Russia to play much more useful role in this regard. On expansion of media cooperation between the two countries, he said IRNA would attend an international media gathering in Moscow which should be regarded as suitable grounds for expansion of media cooperation between the two countries. The Russian ambassador, for his part, welcomed expansion of relations and cooperation between the two neighboring states and referred to the recent meeting between the two sides presidents on the sidelines of SÇO Summit and expressed the hope to witness new chapter in bilateral ties. Iran and Russia should bolster their cooperation in all fields, he said. Iran and Russia can play a key role in solving international conflicts and disputes, he underlined. The Russian ambassador voiced readiness to put his country’s experiences in various sector at the disposal of the Islamic Republic of Iran to help broaden and deepen ties between the two sides. After the meeting, the Russia ambassador told IRNA editors and officials that Moscow is sincerely trying to find a solution to Iran's nuclear issue though it is a quite complicated one. He said his country reiterates Iran's right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and backs fair settlement of the issue. The ambassador further noted that Russian officials are in regular contacts with Iranian authorities prior to the Moscow talks. He further said that Moscow is against any foreign interventions in Syria and believes that the fate of President Bashar al-Assad should be determined only by the Syrian nation. Dzhagaryan also said Russia is in favor of the plan introduced by the United Nations Especial Envoy Kofi Annan. Referring to the visit of the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Tehran which will start on Wednesday, the ambassador said he will discuss the Syrian issue with Iranian officials among other topics./end