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News ID: 40015
Publish Date : 27 May 2017 - 21:30

Putin, Rouhani Vow More Efforts on Syria


TEHRAN (Dispatches) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iran's Hassan Rouhani held a phone call in which they stressed the need for more joint efforts to resolve the Syria crisis and discussed economic ties, the Kremlin said Saturday.
The Kremlin added that Putin congratulated Rouhani on his recent election win. It clarified that the economic issues discussed included joint projects in the oil and gas sector and peaceful nuclear projects.
Rouhani said that Tehran welcomes expansion of cooperation with its neighboring countries, including Russia.
"Iran is ready to bolster bilateral and regional cooperation with Russia with more determination and we will witness more close cooperation between the two countries in the future."
He pointed to increasing economic and trade interaction between the two sides in recent years and said Tehran supports enhanced cooperation with Moscow in infrastructural and industrial projects as well as energy and banking sectors.
The Iranian president further said the Islamic Republic would remain committed to its obligations under the historic nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as long as the other side also fulfills its commitments.
Rouhani also said Iran-Russia cooperation would help promote regional peace and stability and contribute to the fight against terrorism, particularly in Syria.
"The expansion of such cooperation in Syria is very important and we welcome the continuation of trilateral cooperation among Iran, Russia and Syria and are resolute to go on with it," the Iranian president pointed out.
At Damascus’ request, Iran and Russia have been lending military advisory assistance to the Syrian army in its efforts to combat Takfiri terrorists, who are wreaking havoc in the Arab country since 2011. Moscow has also been providing Syrian troops with air power to boost their ground operations against terrorists.
Rouhani said Iran welcomes interaction with Turkey and Russia to safeguard a ceasefire in Syria under the supervision of the United Nations.
"Certain activities by some countries, including the new U.S. administration and Saudi Arabia, will further complicate the regional situation," the Iranian president said.
He urged all countries to make efforts for a genuine battle against terrorism and toward establishing stability in the region.
Mediated by Russia and Turkey with the support of Iran, a Syria-wide cessation of hostilities took effect on December 30, 2016. The following day, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution supporting efforts to end the Syria turmoil and jump-start peace negotiations.
For his part, the Russian president said his country is concerned about acts of aggression by certain countries in Syria.
He added that Russia and Iran are present in Syria at the request of Syria's legitimate government and based on the principles of international regulations, saying Tehran and Moscow would continue their cooperation to promote peace and stability in the region, particularly in Syria.
Putin also said Moscow is resolute on further expanding relations with Tehran in various fields. He urged all signatories to the JCPOA to remain committed to their obligations.