Iran, Russia Weigh Plans to Boost Ties, Share Experiences in Coronavirus Battle
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed ways to maintain and expand trade ties amid the outbreak of the coronavirus and promote mutual cooperation in the fight against the disease.
In a telephone conversation with Putin on Tuesday, Rouhani expressed hope that all countries would work together and help each other eradicate the novel coronavirus in the near future.
Highlighting the need to deepen cooperation and exchange of experiences between Iran and Russia in the fight against COVID-19, the president said, “The two countries’ authorities should attempt to continue trade relations by observing the health protocols.”
He further lashed out at the US for keeping the cruel and illegal sanctions against Iran in the current difficult conditions and obstructing Iran’s request for a loan from the International Monetary Fund.
“Today, all countries in the world are facing difficult conditions, and in these conditions, friendly countries should have closer cooperation and relations,” he further said.
Fortunately, there have been close and strategic relations between Iran and Russia in recent years, Rouhani added, stressing the need to develop bilateral relations and cooperation, especially in the fields of trade, economy, science and medicine.
Deploring the provocative actions from the US and the Zionist Regime in the region, Rouhani stressed the need to deepen cooperation and dialogue between Iran and Russia on regional issues and problems, and to continue consultations among Tehran, Moscow and Ankara, according to the president’s official website.
For his part, the Russian leader referred to the coronavirus pandemic, and stressed the importance of joint efforts, cooperation and exchange of experiences between the two countries to overcome the difficult conditions and broaden the bilateral relations.
Fortunately, good projects are being implemented between the two countries, and the officials are working to expedite the implementation of the agreements, Putin said, adding, “Russia has strategic relations with Iran and always welcomes the development of these relations.”
He further denounced the US sanctions against Iran as a violation of human rights. “Unfortunately, there is a lot of talks about human rights in the West, but in practice, they behave differently.”
The Russian president also highlighted the significance of continuation of Iran-Russia consultations on the regional and international issues, including following the Astana process, and holding trilateral talks with Turkey in this regard.
