Iran, Russia foreign ministers discuss partnership, combating terrorism

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov have discussed fighting against terrorism, in a telephone conversation.

Lavrov offered his sincere condolences over the tragic death of people who gathered in the Iranian city of Kerman to commemorate the anniversary of General Qassem Soleimani’s martyrdom and were killed by terrorists, ILNA reported on January 10.

The sides reiterated mutual commitments to the further coordination of efforts to combat international terrorism.

The ministers also exchanged views on the Middle East and international problems of mutual interest, including the situation in and around the Gaza Strip, as well as in the Red Sea.

The two top diplomats stressed the importance of ramping up political dialogue and practical cooperation in line with the agreements reached by the two countries’ leaders.

They also discuss the process of drafting a bilateral treaty on strategic partnership, addressing "certain bilateral matters, including the transit of goods and the work on a treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership."

The sides also discussed the ongoing construction project to build the Rasht-Astara railway in Iran, according to TASS.