Iran's FM to visit Russia for key talks

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif will travel to Russia on Monday for talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on key regional and international issues, state IRIB TV quoted Iran's ambassador to Russia, Mehdi Sanaee, as saying on Sunday.

"Both ministers will discuss bilateral relations, cooperation on regional and international issues including fighting terrorism and campaign against drugs," Sanaee said.

Iran and Russia are neighbors and friends, and bilateral ties have considerably improved over the past years and are expected to expand further, he said.

Moscow played a positive and constructive role in the past talks over Iran's nuclear issue, he added.

On Saturday, Russia's Foreign Ministry announced that the upcoming meeting between Lavrov and Zarif in Moscow is aimed at discussing the recently-reached Iran's nuclear deal as well as peace efforts about Syria.

Russia and Iran have common stances over some issues in the Middle East, including Syria and fights against terrorism in the country.

After the deal over Iran's nuclear program last month with the prospect of the removal of international sanction against the Islamic republic, Moscow is much hopeful to enhance its cooperation with Tehran in diverse areas.