Extension of 20-year Iran-Russia cooperation deal on agenda of talks: Zarif in Moscow

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 21 July 2020 2:46 PM

In Moscow, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says extending a 20-year cooperation agreement with Russia, which will expire next year, is on the agenda of talks between the two countries.

Zarif made the remarks upon his arrival in Moscow on Tuesday in response to a question by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) about the future of the comprehensive cooperation deal, which will expire in March 2021.

"Definitely, the extension of this agreement is on our agenda," he pointed out.

The top Iranian diplomat emphasized that the two sides can also discuss another long-term deal in case the Russian side is willing to do so.

Zarif also hailed "strategic" relations between Tehran and Moscow and said it is necessary for the two sides to hold regular talks given "the increasing pace of regional and international developments."

"In the current circumstances, when major developments are unfolding at the international level, there is a need for regular talks between the two countries and with other friends," he added.

He noted that he would discuss important issues in talks with Russian officials, including ways to maintain the multilateral nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi is accompanying Zarif during the ongoing visit to Moscow.

Earlier on Monday, Iran Ambassador to Moscow Kazam Jalali said in a Twitter post that Zarif would deliver a message from Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during his third visit to the country in the past six months.

He added that apart from delivering President Rouhani's message, the Iranian minister would sit down for talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the JCPOA, regional developments and bilateral ties.