TEHRAN -- Diplomats from Iran and Russia here on Sunday weighed plans for closer cooperation between the two countries in their fight against terrorism in Syria, stressing the need for the political settlement of the crisis.
Ali Asghar Khaji, a senior adviser to Iran’s foreign minister on special political affairs, met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin and the Russian President’s Special Envoy to Syria Alexander Lavrentiev.
The two sides talked about regional cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, especially in Syria, Tasnim news agency reported.
Khaji highlighted joint efforts by Iran and Russia in their battle against terrorism in Syria, stressing the need for close collaboration in order to protect the Arab country’s sovereignty and contribute to its reconstruction and stability.
He also stressed the need for political settlement of the Syria crisis within the framework of the Astana format, calling for the continuation of the Syrian-Syrian negotiations.
The Russian diplomats, who have visited Tehran after a trip to Damascus, described negotiations with Iranian officials at various levels as crucial and important.
They also emphasized the significance of a political solution to the crisis in Syria, calling for stronger national dialogue in the Arab country. They also expressed readiness for joint meetings within the framework of the Astana format.