Moscow, Feb 3, IRNA � Iranian Supreme Leader's senior Advisor Ali Akbar Velayati said here that expansion of ties between Tehran and Moscow plays an important role in ensuring regional peace and stability.


Visiting Velayati made the remarks in a meeting held Tuesday with Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev .

Iran and Russia enjoy long-lasting strategic and irrevocable relations in the international and regional levels, Velayati said.

Top officials of the two nations have stressed importance of expansion of bilateral cooperation, said he, adding Tehran and Moscow are experiencing an unparalleled period of time of their relations.

On regional developments, Velayati said the region is witnessing unfavorable situation, adding terrorists and Takfiris being supported by ultra-regional powers and certain regional states have threatened stability in the region.

Iran and Russia are serious in strengthening of ties to fight with those threatening movements, he stressed.

Iran, as an independent country, has taken practical steps towards combating terrorism and extremism to restore peace to the region, he noted.

For his part, the Russian official said Moscow and Tehran enjoy the same points of view about many issues including fight with terrorists and extremists.

The two countries are well capable of ensuring regional stability and tranquility, Patrushev said.

On new atmosphere that has been created after lifting anti-Iran sanctions on January 16, Patrushev said Russia is ready to make use of the existing opportunities.

Velayati arrived in Moscow Monday for a four-day visit to hold talks with top Russian officials.

By IRNA