TEHRAN – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russia counterpart Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation on Saturday discussing regional cooperation and the implementation of the international nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Rouhani said, “Iran is determined more than ever to expand cooperation with Russia and we will witness much more close cooperation between the two countries.”

Expansion of economic ties between the two countries during recent years indicates that Iran and Russia are determined to expand relations, Rouhani noted.

Rouhani also said that Iran is committed to its obligations in the nuclear deal as long as the other side abides by the agreement.

Elsewhere, he attached great importance to Tehran-Moscow cooperation in fighting terrorism.

For his part, Putin said Iran and Russia are helping Syria in its war against militants upon the Syrian government’s request and this is within the framework of international law.

The two countries will continue making efforts to boost peace and stability in the Middle East region, Putin added.

He also said that Russia highly values expansion of ties with Iran.

Elsewhere, the Russian president said that nuclear cooperation between the two countries is essential.

Russia has strengthened its cooperation with Iran in nuclear industry since the conclusion of the JCPOA. Russia plans to build two more nuclear facility at the site of the Bushehr nuclear power plant.

NA/PA