"More determined than ever, Iran is prepared to boost mutual and regional
cooperation with Russia,” President Rouhani said in the telephone conversation
with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Saturday.
"In the near future, we will witness much closer cooperation between the two
countries,” he added.
The Iranian president further pointed to joint efforts made by Tehran and Moscow
to promote peace in Syria and fight against terrorism, describing the
enhancement of the cooperation in Syria as very significant.
He added that Iran is resolved to continue its trilateral cooperation with the
Russian and Syrian governments.
Putin, for his part, offered his congratulations to Rouhani on his re-election,
saying the results of the presidential election proved that Iranians are
supporting Rouhani’s economic and social measures as well as his regional and
international plans.
Rouhani emerged victorious in the elections held last Friday and secured a
second term by winning 57 percent of the votes.
Iran and Russia have formed a strong alliance in recent years and have ramped up
efforts to boost defense cooperation, trade ties, and cultural interaction.
They both support the Syrian government against foreign-backed militancy. Tehran
and Moscow insist that the Syrian nation is the only side that has the right to
shape the future of the Arab country, which has been gripped by civil war since
March 2011 with various terrorist groups, including Daesh (ISIL), currently
controlling parts of it.
SOURCE: Tasnim News Agency