Iranian and Russian foreign ministers hold talks
Erakçi met with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, who was visiting Tehran.
Speaking at a joint press conference following the talks between the two parties and the delegations, Erakçi said that they had detailed and productive discussions with Lavrov on regional and international issues.
Stating that they discussed regional developments, particularly Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, Erakçi said, "Our views on Syria are very close. Iran supports stability and peace prevailing in Syria."
Expressing that they completely reject the US plan to forcibly displace Palestinians in Gaza, Erakçi stated that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation will meet soon on this issue.
Erakçi, who ruled out the possibility of negotiations under pressure with the US on the nuclear issue, said, "As long as the maximum pressure policy continues, there will definitely be no possibility of direct negotiations with the US."
“Despite all the sanctions, cooperation and trade with Iran is developing”Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said, "Despite all the sanctions, cooperation and trade with Iran is developing. Bilateral trade increased by 13 percent last year."
Stressing that unilateral sanctions are unacceptable, Lavrov noted that they will continue to work with Iran to minimize the negative impact of these sanctions on the economy.
Lavrov shared his hope that the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway, which is seen as an important transportation network for the North-South corridor, will begin as soon as possible, and said that they will provide export credit to Iran for this purpose.
Lavrov said that they discussed regional and international issues during the meeting with Erakçi, adding, “Russia and Iran are in favor of resolving any crisis within the framework of UN resolutions on the sovereign equality of states.”
Referring to the situation regarding the Iran nuclear deal, Lavrov stated that diplomacy should be used to eliminate the problems related to this and said, “We are in favor of finding ways out of the situation. This situation was created by Western countries, not Iran.”
"Syria's territorial integrity is important"Referring to the situation in Syria, Lavrov said that they agreed with Iran on the need to strengthen efforts to ensure long-term stability and peace in the country.
Lavrov said: "We will do our best to calm down the situation in Syria and ensure that it does not pose a threat to the rights of the Syrian people and neighboring countries. In this context, the territorial integrity of Syria is important. It is absolutely unacceptable and extremely dangerous for certain parts of the country to be pushed towards separatism."
Minister Lavrov noted the importance of Russia, Iran and China's support for the process of resolving the situation in Syria.
Referring to the situation in Palestine, Lavrov said that the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank was alarming.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Lavrov said that Iran has a balanced approach on this issue and they appreciate it.
Sergey Lavrov noted that they informed the Iranian side about the results of the consultations between Russia and the US, and said, "The approach that was taken yesterday at the UN that there is no alternative to eliminating the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis is gradually gaining ground. We will continue to strengthen this trend."
Habertürk
