Iran and Russia have called for stronger measures to promote cooperation in the area of telecommunications and cyber space.

This was expressed in a meeting between Iran’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mahmoud Vaezi and Russian Minister of Communication and Mass Media Nikolai Nikiforov.

Vaezi has been quoted by agencies as saying that discussions between the related institutions from both sides over the past few years have already brought about positive developments.

He has also emphasized that Iran is ready to take the required measures to implement the agreements that have already been signed with Russia over cooperation in the field of ICT as well as communications, IRNA reported.

Nikiforov, for his part, has told Vaezi that Russia is interested in expanding its relations in the area of ICT with Iran.  He has also emphasized that Russia is interested in promoting its own social network – VK.com – in Iran.

Other areas that both ministers are reported to have identified as potential areas for mutual cooperation are e-governance, online education, space telecommunication, as well as fiber optic technology.

Vaezi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday from Astrakhan for talks with Russian officials over issues of mutual interest.

During his three-day stay, he is also scheduled to meet Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov and Minister of Energy Aleksandr Novak among others. The Iranian minister will also meet Minister of Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission Veronica Nikishina.

The level of trade between Iran and Russia stood at $1.7 billion in 2014 and increased by 30 percent in 2015 to reach about $2.2 billion. Trade between the two countries saw an increase of 69 percent in the first half of 2016 compared to the same period last year, IRNA added.

By Press TV