Iran, Russia FMs discuss bilateral, regional issues

The two ministers met on the sideline of the ongoing foreign ministerial meeting of the Caspian Sea littoral states which opened this morning.

After the meeting, Lavrov told reporters that Zarif’s visit has provided a good opportunity to exchange views on bolstering bilateral cooperation.

He referred to Iran’s nuclear program, regional security and the Middle East developments as some areas of interest for discussion.

Lavrov hoped Tehran-Moscow cooperation would yield positive outcomes in various areas.

Zarif too expressed hope that the next Caspian Sea littoral states summit to be held in Astrakhan next autumn would be successful.

Noting that Iran and Russia enjoyed numerous areas of potential cooperation, he pointed to regional issues and fighting terrorism as just two examples.

Zarif arrived in Moscow Monday night on a two-day visit.

The 3rd Caspian Sea Littoral States Foreign Ministers Conference is being attended by top diplomats and experts from Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

The meeting is to prepare the draft of the 4th Caspian Sea littoral states summit conference statement, which is scheduled for September 2014 in Astrakhan, Russia.
/SR