Moscow and Tehran are partners in the struggle against terrorism

Russia welcomes Iran's intention to intensify the struggle against terrorism, announced RF Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov after the meeting with Secretary of Iran's National Security Council Hasan Rohani.

"The fact that Iranian authorities have arrested more than 500 al-Qaeda members indicates that Iran is serious about this work," the RF minister said.

Mr Ivanov reiterated that Russia and Iran had signed an agreement on cooperation in the struggle against international terrorism and created respective working groups.

In his turn, Mr. Rohani confirmed that Iran intended to expand its cooperation with other countries, including Russia, in fighting terrorism.

"We are willing to intensify our cooperation with Russia in order to strengthen stability and security in Afghanistan," added Mr Rohani.

He also said that both sides are concerned about drug-trafficking problem and intend to expand mutual cooperation in this area, as well.

In addition, during the talks in Moscow, the sides discussed the situation around Iraq. "We are ready to combine our efforts for the sake of establishing security and order in Iraq and forming a legitimate government in that country, recognized by the entire world community," Iran's National Security Council Secretary said.

Mr. Rohani also underlined that during the meeting the sides discussed some issues related to the status of the Caspian Sea.

Mr. Ivanov and Mr. Rohani expressed their interest in expanding future bilateral cooperation in all spheres.