TEHRAN - Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Wednesday that facilitating banking ties is essential in expanding relations between Iran and South Korea.

During a meeting with South Korea Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon in Seoul, Larijani said that Iran is ready to expand ties with South Korea in various areas.

Lee also welcomed expansion of relations.

In a separate meeting with South Korean National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun, Larijani said that facilitating banking ties is a firm step in boosting relations.

Chung also said that the relations are “progressing”.

Larijani was in Seoul to attend the annual meeting of the parliament speakers of Eurasian countries. The three-day conference began on Monday.

In separate meeting with Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin on Tuesday, Larijani also said Iran and Russia are in real fight against terrorism.

“In a commotion in which some countries just chant slogans of fighting terrorism, Iran and Russia have successful common experience in fighting terrorism,” Larijani remarked.

For his part, Volodin said the two countries have established “good” cooperation in fighting terrorism and helping promote international security.

He also invited Larijani to visit Russia.

Larijani also met separately with Ogtay Asadov, the speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan.

Cooperation between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan has entered a new phase, Larijani said.

He also called Azerbaijan a “friendly neighbor”.

NA/PA