Russian president holds 1st face-to-face meeting with new Iranian counterpart

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi met in Moscow on Wednesday in their first meeting since the latter assumed office last August.

Greeting Raisi, Putin said the trade turnover between Russia and Iran has been increasing despite the coronavirus pandemic, and the two countries continue implementation of major projects and expand cooperation "in many directions."

Iran's relations with the Eurasian Economic Community are developing, and both sides "are actively working" to create a free trade zone, he said.

Putin praised the Russian-Iranian cooperation in Syria, saying the threats associated with international terrorism have been contained, thanks to the joint efforts.

He voiced concern over the situation in Afghanistan, noting that he would discuss the issue with his Iranian counterpart, as well as Iran's stance on the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Raisi said Tehran wants "sustainable and comprehensive relations" with Russia in all areas, as it will be beneficial for the people of the two countries.

He suggested uniting efforts in withstanding "unilateral Western sanctions," adding that Iran is working on lifting them.

The Iranian head of state called "a very good" experience of the Iranian-Russian cooperation in fighting terrorism in Syria, saying it creates opportunities of applying it "in many other areas."