Tehran-Moscow cooperation will increase regional security: Iran

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast has said that closer cooperation between the Islamic Republic and the Russian Federation will help strengthen security in the region.

“Iran and Russia are regional powers which undoubtedly can facilitate the establishment of regional peace and stability through cooperation,” Mehmanparast told reporters at a press conference in Moscow on Tuesday.

He also called Tehran-Moscow ties friendly and said media outlets can also help promote bilateral relations through providing correct information.

The spokesman went on to say that the current world situation is precarious and the regional developments are of volatile nature.

Mehmanparast also appreciated the Russia’s stance toward the Syrian crisis and said the move reflected the opinion of most people in Russia.

On October 4, Russia and China vetoed a Western-backed United Nations Security Council resolution threatening military action and sanctions against Syria.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian diplomat described the recent uprisings in the Arab world as the wave of Islamic awakening and said regional nations are trying to be emancipated from dictatorial regimes.

According to Press TV, on a question about Iran's lawsuit against Russia for its refusal to deliver S-300 missile systems to Tehran, Mehmanparast said it was a commercial and technical contract.

Under an $800-million contract signed in 2007, Russia was required to provide Iran with at least five S-300 air defense systems.

Mehmanparast arrived in Moscow on Sunday at the head of a press delegation to explore ways to promote cooperation between the two countries' media outlets.