DAR AL HARB / ISLAM - IRAN & RUSSIA: IRAN PROPOSES AN ANTI-AMERICAN ALLIANCE TO RUSSIA

Supreme Leader stresses importance of Iran-Russia cooperation

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Sunday stressed the great importance of Tehran- Moscow cooperation and said the two sides can serve as partners in the political, economic, regional and international domains.

Receiving Russian Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov, who submitted him a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ayatollah Khamenei said that Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes all-out expansion of relations with Russia.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes all-out promotion of relations with Russia, believing that capacity for expansion of ties between the two sides is higher than expected," said the Supreme Leader, while voicing pleasure with Putin's message.

Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran and Russia hold half of the world's total gas reserves, adding, "The two countries through mutual cooperation can establish an organization of gas exporting countries like OPEC."

Referring to conditions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine, and Lebanon as well as to the US unilateralism, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed, "Despite its huge attempts, the US has not yet been able to materialize its goals in the region. Active cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia on regional issues within a defined framework can be effective in foiling the US ambitious plans."

Pointing to Putin's emphasis in his message on continued cooperation between Tehran and Moscow in all domains, especially in completing and commissioning Bushehr nuclear power plant, Ayatollah Khamenei hoped the two sides would speed up implementation of their commitments and obligations.

On his part, Ivanov said that Moscow is seriously determined to expand ties with Tehran in all fields.

He said the Russian president believes the two countries should use all their capacities for promotion of strategic relations and cooperation both at bilateral, regional and international levels.

Calling his talks in Tehran "positive," Ivanov said Moscow believes prospect of cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran is "very good and promising." Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani was also present in the meeting.


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1) Supreme Leader stresses importance of Iran-Russia cooperation