IRNA � Tehran's Governor General Anoshiravan Mohseni Bandpei said on Monday that economic cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia should be further bolstered.

Speaking to reporters on the sideline of his meeting with Russian Ambassador to Iran Levan Dzhagaryan on Monday, he said both sides should help increase the current volume of trade exchanges.

Presently trade exchanges between Iran and Russia stands at $1.7 billion which should be further increased, Bandpei said.

The two countries should seize existing opportunities and prepare the grounds for more active role of the private sectors in both countries, he said.

During the visit, Russian ambassador became more acquainted with existing economic capabilities in the sector.