IRAN, RUSSIA TIES IMPROVING IN ALL AREAS: ENVOY
Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Oct 11 2005
Iranian Ambassador to Russia Gholam Reza Ansari said here Monday that
Tehran, Moscow relations are improving in all areas.
Speaking to Ria Novosti News Agency, Ansari said following the trip
by former president Mohammad Khatami to Moscow several years ago a
new chapter began in bilateral relations in all areas.
He also referred to the two nations’ cooperation in nuclear energy.
“After the completion of Bushehr nuclear powerplant building more
powerplants is on the two states’ agenda.”
Ansari said that the building Bushehr is the most important index of
economic cooperation between the two sides in the recent years.
He also expressed hope that with the timely dispatch of fuel by Russia
and completion of the powerplant, operations will start on schedule.
“We have ensured Russia that our nuclear activities are peaceful and
expect Moscow to convey this policy to other nations.” He alluded
to the energy sector as an important area of cooperation between the
two countries. Soon Iran electricity grid will be connected to Russia
and Armenia.
Ansari said the two nations’ cooperation in industry and advanced
technologies are also extensive and referred to last year’s agreement
to build ‘Zohreh’ satellite.
He also expressed hope that the agreements would be implemented in
the near future.
Iran is interested in active participation in the joint Caspian Sea
security forces. Tehran and Moscow have common views on political,
economic and cultural areas and oppose foreign intervention in the
region, he added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said last September that his country
is committed to complete Bushehr nuclear power station on time
(scheduled in 2006).