Developing ties with neighbors a priority in Iran's foreign policy: Salehi

Foreign Minister, Ali-Akbar Salehi, said here on Wednesday that developing ties with neighboring states is one of the priorities of Iran's foreign policy, IRNA reported.

Addressing a gathering of Iranian institutes’ staffers in Moscow, Salehi said that fortunately, in the wake of Iran’s progress in various fields, Russians are interested in developing bilateral ties with the country.

Referring to Russia’s outstanding position as the US' sole military rival in international equations as well as Iran’s clout in regional and international issues, the Iranian top diplomat also said that the west's unilateralism vis-a-vis regional developments and their failure to abide by their promises over the issues such as the missile shield have prompted Russia to appreciate Iran’s significance in its foreign policy.

Describing the prospects for Tehran-Moscow ties as 'bright,' the foreign minister also said that all the capacities for deepening bilateral ties should be fully utilized.

Iran has turned into an influential country on the international scene, he said, noting that such a worthy status for Iran is indebted to its independence.

Salehi arrived in Moscow late Tuesday at the head of a high-raking delegation at the invitation of his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.


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