TEHRAN - The secretaries of the national security councils of Russia and Iran have discussed ways to boost security cooperation between the two countries on the sidelines of an annual meeting in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

Ali Akbar Ahmadian and his Russian counterpart Nikolay Patrushev have joined officials from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, China, and India to discuss the situation in the war-torn country of Afghanistan which has been grappling with various security, economic, and social challenges as the result of two decades of American occupation. 

A wide range of topics concerning security cooperation between Russia and Iran such as the fight against terrorism, intelligence security issues, and economic security were discussed during the bilateral meeting, according to a statement by Russia’s National Security Council. The two officials also talked about efforts to prevent foreign interference in the national affairs of regional countries. 

"In the continuation of this meeting, the development of a new long-term bilateral comprehensive agreement was discussed and it was emphasized that the conclusion of this fundamental document will give a powerful incentive to further expand beneficial bilateral cooperation in all fields,” the statement declared.