During a meeting with Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, Ali Shamkhani noted Iran and Russia’s shared views on the necessity to preserve the territorial integrity of Syria and Iraq and said, “ISIL was a result of wrong policies in supporting and arming the terrorist groups. Those who have partaken in equipping these groups with military and financial aid must now take responsibility for such acts.”
While expressing deep concern about the recent developments in the world and region which are threatening the international and regional security and stability, he said, “to divide groups that have taken up arms for any excuse and are shedding innocents’ blood is impossible and irrational. To differentiate between the good terrorist, the moderate terrorist, and the bad terrorist is illusory and based on a profit-seeking approach.”
“During today’s talks, certain topics of interest were discussed on a bilateral, regional and international level,” said Shamkhani, “since the two counties have many common interests, a Memorandum of Understanding for future cooperation has been signed which will determine the framework for economic and security issues.”
Shamkhani pointed to Iran and Russia’s supporting of Iraq's central government and stressed that Iraq needs to maintain its integrity and sovereignty and strengthen its government and army to tackle insecurity.
The two officials also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and stressed the need for a regional cooperation to reinforce stability in that country and support the new government.
Iran and the 5+1 negotiations was another topic of discussion during the meeting between Iran and Russian Secretaries of Security Council.
“Mr. Patrushev stressed Iran’s inalienable right to use and develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and, supported settlement of the issue within the framework of NPT,” said Ali Shamkahni.
Heading a high-ranking delegation, Patrushev arrived in Tehran on Monday for a two-day official visit.
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