The dialogue between Russia and Iran has always been effective, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, told a press conference in Moscow.
"Yesterday I had positive and constructive conversation with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, Mikhail Bogdanov," the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza cited him as saying.
Special attention was paid by the Iranian diplomat to the problems of the Middle East. According to Abdollahiyan, firstly, he discussed with his counterpart the aggravation of the situation around the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. He said that the reason was "the provocative actions" by the Israeli authorities near the mosque. "If they do not stop, the situation will become more complicated," the diplomat noted.
"As for Syria, we had a serious exchange of views with Bogdanov. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has offered a new way out of crisis at a meeting with President Bashar Assad. Tehran and Moscow intend to use all the opportunities and potential for a settlement of Syrian crisis," he said.
"Tehran and Moscow will continue their contacts with the Syrian opposition. We believe that those of its representatives who believe in a political solution to the problem are also a part of this process," he added.
Commenting on the recent decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin to increase the assistance provided to Syria, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister approved it, calling the move "very wise and appropriate."
"We welcome any dialogue and regional cooperation to ensure stability in the region. But the most important change is that the main players are agreed on a political settlement of the crisis," the Iranian diplomat expressed confidence.
He then moved to the issue of Yemen. "Saudi Arabia’s aggression in relation to Yemen is considered to be a strategic mistake. Such actions will have negative consequences for the entire region. It is necessary to lift the humanitarian blockade of the country as soon as possible. Tehran is using every opportunity to help the people of Yemen," the diplomat said.
"We are concerned about the rise of terrorism in Yemen, and condemn the actions of the various international organizations that are silent about what is happening in Yemen. If a solution to this problem isn't found, then the rise of terrorism and the influx of refugees would threaten all countries," Abdollahiyan stressed.
The Deputy Foreign Minister also spoke about the Gulf region. "We continue to express our concern about what is happening in Bahrain. We urge the authorities of this country to engage in dialogue with the opposition. We believe that the extension of the arrest of the leader of the democratic opposition group is a big mistake," he said.
"The nuclear deal is on the right track. Diplomacy can still defeat war in today's complex world. It is necessary to replace hostility with cooperation," Hossein Abdollahiyan concluded.
