Moscow keen on hearing Tehran's assessment of Geneva accords implementation - Lavrov
MOSCOW. Jan 16 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Moscow on Thursday that he expected to hear his position on the implementation of the Geneva accords on the Iranian nuclear program.
"We expect to hear your assessment of the implementation of the Geneva accords today," Lavrov said.
He also suggested that the two would discuss issues "concerning the ultimate settlement of the situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear program."
Zarif said he expected to discuss the upcoming Geneva II international conference on Syria.
"We are sure that the role that Russia will play will be as constructive as it was before," Zarif said.
He also mentioned "Russia's key role in settling the nuclear problem of Iran."
Lavrov also proposed discussing regional problems that "require regular consultations," including the efforts to settle the crisis in Syria and the situation in Afghanistan.
He also suggested comparing notes on other issues, including the legal basis and documents that are supposed to promote an agreement on the Caspian.
Zarif also stressed the importance of coordinating Russia's and Iran's efforts in multilateral cooperation, including on the Caspian. "We see significant opportunities for our cooperation," Zarif said.
The Iranian foreign minister also praised the level of bilateral relations between Moscow and Tehran. "Our relations are improving from day to day. The meeting in Bishkek [between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani] has laid good groundwork. Considerable opportunities exist for expanding our cooperation," he said.
