Speaking to Iranian Embassy sources in Moscow, Sputnik confirmed Thursday that Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif will visit Russia on Monday, August 17. Speaking to Sputnik, a well-respected Iranian expert on Russia-Iran relations explained just what it is the Iranian delegation may talk about with their Russian counterparts.

The Iranian Embassy source told Sputnik that the two sides "have much to discuss," noting that discussions will be held on a range of international problems and bilateral issues and adding that "the talks in Moscow will be very important."

Looking for insight about what exactly the two sides might discuss, Sputnik Persian spoke to Tehran-based political scientist and geopolitical analyst Farhad Koleini, who told the agency that first and foremost, "today, cooperation between Iran and Russia must be evaluated in terms of the new political realities which have come into being following the Iranian nuclear agreement."
The expert believes that the international agreement has necessitated the creation of new benchmarks.

"One of those benchmarks is Moscow's search for a strong ally in Central Asia in Central Asia and the Middle East to counter extremism."

In Koleini's words, "another issue of no less importance is the delineation of real solutions to the Syrian crisis, in interaction with the countries of the region �I am speaking first and foremost about the development of new diplomatic mechanisms to attract those countries which are aggressively oriented against the government of Bashar al-Assad among the Arab countries to the negotiating table."

"Of course, Russia already has an extensive track record of initiatives on Syria and Yemen," the expert stated. "In effect, Russia has returned to the region, not with empty hands, but with a concrete plane of action, aimed first and foremost at the fight against extremism."

Noting that Russia has made it a key priority to carry out dialogue with key political actors in the Middle East, Koleini noted that in this vein, "consultations with Tehran have been continuous and, as noted by the diplomats of both countries, very effective. The upcoming visit of Mr. Zarif is a prime example of this fact and, moreover, is a demonstration before the international community that Russia and Iran speak the same language and pursue common goals in ensuring security, stability and peace in the region."

Koleini explained that the possibilities for cooperation, especially economic cooperation, have increased dramatically as a result of the nuclear deal. Recalling the recent visits by European and Iranian delegations to Crimea, the expert noted that he believes that "joint multilateral projects, with the participation of Iran, Russia and [certain] circles among Western countries could be not only profitable, but would allow us to transfer such a format of cooperation to the Middle East region in the future."

By Sputnik News