Cooperation between Russia and Iran to strengthen

Cooperation between Russia and Iran will strengthen in the years to come, said Iranian Islamic Culture and Communications Organisation head Mahmoud Muhammadi Iraki -Hojjat ol-Eslam during his meeting with head of the Council of Russian Mufties Ravil Gainutdin.

"Openness of Russian leaders in supporting good relations with traditionally friendly countries for several decades demonstrates to the whole world our most sincere plans. Thanks to that cooperation between Russia and Iran will strengthen," the Iranian minister said.

According to him, contacts between Russia and Iran have been intensified over the recent years.

On his part, Gainutdin said that the "mutually advantageous cooperation vividly shows that ties between the two friendly countries have been developing not only in the political and economic fields but also in the spiritual sphere." The sides agreed to step up interaction between the Moslem organisations of the two countries, in particular in holding joint conferences and symposiums on the spiritual issues.

In addition, contacts in the field of religious education will also develop.

The Iranian minister arrived in Moscow in April 26. He will participate in the fourth session of the Russian-Iranian commission on the "Islam-Orthodox" dialogue. The forum is devoted to the problems of globalisation. Its results will be summed up on April 29 in the department of foreign church ties of the Moscow Patriarchate.