IRNA � Iran's Ambassador to Moscow Mehdi Sanaei said on Saturday that it is a necessity for Tehran and Moscow to broaden relations mainly under the current circumstances.


Speaking at the seminar of top Iran-Russia universities union, the Iranian ambassador welcomed expansion of academic cooperation between the two sides' universities.

If in the past relations between Iran and Russia was a choice, it has not turned into a must, he said.

Iran and Russia have common problems and threats in dealing with terrorism, extremism, fight against drug trafficking and unilateralism at international arena, Sanaei said.

Exchange of university students help increase number of tourists visiting both countries, he said.

Such move also helps exchange of scientific and cultural interactions between the two countries, the ambassador added.

The 3rd gathering of top Iranian and Russian university union was held in the presence of Iran's Ambassador Mehdi Sanaei, chancellors, deans, and university instructors from 14 top universities as well as Iran's Minister of Road and Urban Development Abbas Akhoundi in Moscow.

The first meeting was held in Moscow and the second one in Tehran last year.