Iran FM: Tehran session helpful for expansion of peace, stability in region

Speaking in an exclusive interview with IRNA, Zarif said, 'Regional cooperation is highly helpful for economic development of countries and stability and peace in the region.'

He said Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan share common interests, including transit and energy.

Also referring to the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev in Tehran session, Zarif said the first joint session of the three presidents was held in Baku and per a proposal offered by Azeri president, the second such session was approved to be held in Tehran.

'We have regional cooperation with five Caspian states: We have transit cooperation with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan; we have also close ties with other countries like Armenia and Georgia; this area is highly helpful in terms of national security and economic development and we hope tomorrow session will be helpful in this connection.'

'Tomorrow session is an opportunity for bilateral meeting between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the one hand and Ilham Aliyev on the other hand to hold talks on the regional issues, especially Syria issue.'

To a question on US President Donald Trump demand for meeting with President Rouhani and then his harsh speech in the UN General Assembly, he said it was not a serious move and due to the same reason no attention was paid to that. 'Assessment should be made and I do not attach the least importance to the US president's gesture.'

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