Iran-Russia ties growing: Shamkhani

Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani hailed the expansion of relations with Russia in different fields.

According to Tasnim news agency, Shamkhani arrived in Moscow on Tuesday to take part in the fifth session of the regional security dialogue, which focuses on the situation in Afghanistan.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival, he said the relations between Iran and Russia in various fields, including the economic, defense, security, scientific and commercial ties, are growing fundamentally.

In order to ensure the sustainable development of ties in diverse areas, it is necessary to review and carry out the road map to bilateral relations devised by the leaders of the two countries, Shamkhani stated.

On the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, he said the meeting will discuss the political, economic and security developments in Afghanistan.

The problems of Afghanistan stem from the ineffectiveness of the occupiers and the events following the occupation, he added, warning that Afghanistan could become a regional critical point.

Launched in 2017, the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan is a regional platform involving the special envoys of Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, India, China, and Pakistan. Its mandate is to facilitate political reconciliation between the then-internationally backed Kabul government and the Taliban, establish peace, and ensure regional security.

ME