As both countries face “cruel” US sanctions, Iran’s parliament speaker has called for increased cooperation with Russia.
Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf made the remarks during a joint press conference with visiting Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin in Tehran.
The “cruel” US sanctions are the greatest threat to Iran, Russia, and other countries, Qalibaf said at a press conference following the third meeting of Iran and Russia’s Supreme Joint Parliamentary Commission.
The two sides discussed the expansion of cooperation, investments in the oil and gas sector, and gas swap during the meeting.
They also discussed cooperation in agriculture, cereal trade, the use of modern technologies and transportation, as well as the banking and monetary sectors.
Qalibaf called on Iranian and Russian banks to open branches in both countries, so as to enable the use of their respective national currencies in bilateral trade and business transactions.
For his part, Volodin said relations between Russia and Iran have reached an “excellent level” and have expanded at different levels.
A comprehensive contract is being prepared to be signed between the two countries, which will greatly improve their relations, he added.
Commenting on the U.S. sanctions imposed on both Russia and Iran, Volodin said they only lead to greater solidarity between the two countries.
Volodin arrived in the Iranian capital on Sunday night, leading a number of Russian officials. (Xinhua/NAN)