Russia, Iran discuss broader cooperation in certain areas

DUBAI. Feb 17 (Interfax) - Iranian Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad and Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilyov have discussed cooperation, including in energy and oil, at a meeting in Tehran, the Iranian news agency Shana said.

"The two sides emphasized expanding cooperation across multiple economic sectors, including oil and energy, transportation and trade," the report said.

The meeting took place at the Iranian Petroleum Ministry.

The Mehr News Agency said that Tsivilyov had also held a meeting with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani. "Tehran and Moscow have faced similar pressure and restrictions from the West in recent years, but these pressures have not been able to stop the path of strategic cooperation between the two countries," Larijani said during talks.

Tsivilyov, for his part, noted the positive atmosphere of his talks with Iran in the economy sector and emphasized the importance of close communication and coordination to expedite the implementation of bilateral agreements, Mehr said.

Tsivilyov arrived in Iran on Monday evening for the 19th session of the Joint Economic Committee. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday. Tsivilyov and Paknejad will co-chair the event.