Russia defended its close relations with Iran on Monday as a senior Iranian delegation started two days of talks in Moscow on the joint fight against terror, energy matters and the Middle East situation.
"Russia regards Iran as an important regional partner," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Trubnikov told ITAR-TASS ahead of his talks with his Iranian counterpart Mohsen Aminzade.
Tehran "not only condemns international terrorism, but has also proved this by concrete action, especially in Afghanistan," Trubnikov said.
Trubnikov added that Iran, "is ready to take part in the fight against this global evil" of terrorism.
He also said that Tehran could play a "positive role" in solving conflicts in the Middle East," terming Iran's foreign policy "productive." (Albawaba.com)
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