Moscow: Iran's Ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, has stated that the Islamic Republic is determined to enhance cooperation with Russia on regional issues. Jalali made these remarks during a meeting with Mikhail Bogdanov, the deputy Russian foreign minister and President Vladimir Putin's special representative for the Middle East and Africa.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the two officials discussed regional issues and explored ways to develop relations between their countries. Jalali emphasized the close ties between Tehran and Moscow and reiterated Iran's commitment to expanding cooperation with Russia on regional matters.

On January 17, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty during Pezeshkian's visit to Moscow. This treaty aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, culture, and security.

A Russian Foreign Ministry press release, carried by TASS news agency, reported that Jalali and Bogdanov also discussed developments in Palestine and Syria. The meeting followed Bogdanov's visit to Damascus, where he held talks with officials of the Syrian transitional government. Syria is undergoing a transition period after the government of President Bashar al-Assad was toppled on December 8, 2024, following an offensive led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).