Russian-Iranian intergovernmental commission to meet in Tehran on Feb 16-18

MOSCOW. Jan 21 (Interfax) - The Russian-Iranian intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation will meet in Tehran on February 16-18, the Russian Energy Ministry said following a meeting of the Russian part of the intergovernmental commission led by Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilyov.

Despite the complicated geopolitical situation, Moscow remains committed to plans of the development of strategic partnership with Tehran, it said. "We keep on working to develop Russian-Iranian relations, and the intergovernmental commission's planned events will take place according to schedule," Tsivilyov was quoted as saying.

During the meeting, government officials and business representatives informed the minister of the implementation of agreements reached at the previous, 18th, intergovernmental commission meeting and submitted proposals on intensifying bilateral ties.

The meeting participants discussed drafts of joint documents and current issues on key agenda items for the upcoming 19th Russian-Iranian intergovernmental commission meeting related to the energy, agriculture, transport, healthcare, education, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation sectors. Special significance was attached to the regulatory framework for bilateral cooperation.

Based on the outcomes of the discussion, the Russian side agreed upon a consolidated negotiating position. The documents will be forwarded to Iranian counterparts shortly to study them and prepare counterproposals.