Russia ready to promote ties with Iran: Duma official

Moscow, Feb 14, IRNA - First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Duma Artur Chilingarov voiced his
country?s willingness to promote ties with Iran.

Talking to IRNA, he said Iran and Russia enjoy close and friendly ties
based on mutual respect and good neighborly relations.

Praising Iran?s key role in regional developments, he stressed that
bilateral cooperation benefits both nations.

He reiterated that Tehran-Moscow cooperation would also help establish
regional stability and security.

Chilingarov underscored the need for ensuring security of the Central
Asia, Caucasia and the Caspian Sea by the regional states, stressing
that both Tehran and Moscow can play crucial roles in that regard.

Congratulating the Islamic Republic on the successful launch of Omid
satellite, he said such a victory, despite all Western embargoes on
Iran, is significant.

Terming the prospect of Iran-Russia relations as bright, he called for
expansion of bilateral cooperation in the area of joint economic
projects.

On bilateral trade cooperation, the Russian MP said Tehran-Moscow
trade exchanges exceeded dlrs 3.4 billion last year.

He called for materialization of joint energy and nuclear energy
projects by particiaption of both states.

Referring to the Bushehr nuclear power plant as the two countries'
major joint project, Chilingarov announced that the project will
become operational soon.

End