Iran, Russia review expansion of mutual cooperation

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia on Monday explored avenues for expansion of mutual relations and cooperation in various fields. Russian Foreign Ministry Director of the Information and Press Department Alexander K. Lukashevich held talks on Monday with visiting Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast on expansion of media cooperation, mutual relations and ongoing developments taking place in the Middle East region. The role of public diplomacy is very important in forming the views of the world public opinion, Mehmanparast said. Highlighting Iran’s stands on regional and international developments, Mehmanparast strongly criticized the double-standard and selective approach of the West in dealing with the issue of democracy, human rights and fight against terrorism. He also called for promotion of cultural cooperation between the two countries. The Russian envoy, for his part, underlined that the two countries have adopted common stands on political and international developments, bolstering bilateral and regional relations, respecting each other's national interests and non-interference in the affairs of each other. Given significant role of media in expansion of relations, he welcomed expansion of media cooperation between the two countries. The two sides' foreign ministries play prominent role in expansion of media cooperation between the two countries, Mehmanparast said. Mehmanparast also invited his Russian counterpart to pay regular visits to Iran to follow up implementation of agreements signed by the two countries which was welcomed by the Russian foreign ministry spokesman.