Iran’s Rouhani lauds visit to Russia as highly significant

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani says he discussed further promotion of cooperation with leaders attending a joint summit of BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) during his significant visit to Russia.

Speaking to reporters upon arrival at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran early on Friday, Rouhani described his visit to Russia as “highly significant” as  member states of the SCO, BRICS and the EEU comprise 50 percent of the global population and account for 30 percent of the world's gross income.

Rouhani arrived in Russia on Wednesday to attend a joint summit of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), the SCO and EEU in the city of Ufa.

During his stay in Russia, the Iranian president held meetings with leaders attending the summits. He also delivered a speech, during which he said that Iran was ready for enhanced cooperation and interaction with emerging economic powers following the lifting of sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

“The day after [conclusion of] an agreement with the six world powers and the start of post-sanctions era, Iran is ready for extensive cooperation with the world's emerging economic powers … to play a more significant role in [establishing] global peace, stability and security,” Rouhani said.

Stressing that gone is the era of sanctions and threats, the Iranian president said that negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program have entered the home stretch, adding that Western powers have admitted that Iran's scientific development and progress cannot be stopped.

Overcoming the challenges of the current century requires multilateralism, respect for international law, reforming political as well as economic institutions and the promotion of international cooperation, said the president.

“In this regard, national and regional security and confronting terrorism and extremism are the most important areas of modern cooperation,” he added.

Rouhani also said that Iran, as one of the most stable countries in the region, urges serious determination and further cooperation to eradicate terrorism and extremism.

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