Iranian, Russian Diplomats Discuss Ways to Tackle Regional Problems


TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian and his visiting Russian counterpart Mikhail Bogdanov conferred on the latest regional developments, particularly in Syria and Yemen, and also ways out of the current crises in the region.

At the meeting held in Tehran on Monday, the Iranian and Russian officials emphasized the need for more consultations between Tehran and Moscow in a bid to promote peace talks in Syria.

The two sides stressed the importance of restoring unity to Syria and maintaining the Arab country’s territorial integrity.

Bogdanov, who is the Russian presidential envoy on the Middle East and Africa, said representatives of all Syrian parties and groups should participate in the upcoming peace talks in Geneva as a key condition for the success of the negotiations.

He added that Tehran and Moscow should hold regular consultations to help resolve regional problems through diplomatic approaches and restore stability and security to the crisis-hit countries.

UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said in March that the next round of negotiations to end the deadly conflict in the Arab country will kick off on March 9.

A ceasefire agreement in Syria, brokered by Russia and the United States, entered into force on February 27. The Syrian government accepted the terms of the truce on condition that military efforts against Daesh and the al-Nusra Front Takfiri militants, who are excluded from the ceasefire, continue.

Amir Abdollahian, for his part, said a successful fight against terrorism needs the firm determination of all countries and an end to financial and arms assistance to terrorist groups.