Bezhshikian to Putin in Moscow: Iran can settle regional issues without relying on America

Iranian President Masoud Bezhshikian met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, following the conclusion of the eighth Gas Exporting Countries summit, confirming that Iran is capable of resolving the region's problems and settling disputes without relying on the United States.

According to media reports, Bezhshikian said U.S. actions in the region are prompting Tehran to strengthen its cooperation with Russia and to expand its relations with countries under sanctions, stressing that there is the necessary will to develop Iran–Russia relations in scientific, economic, industrial, cultural, security and military fields.

Bezhshikian added that he agreed to establish a representative office of the Russian state television and radio organization in Iran, indicating that, at present, the matter has not gone beyond completing the necessary coordination to implement this step.

For his part, Putin said Russia seeks to achieve all mutual interests with Iran and expects the situation in the region to evolve in a positive direction, affirming that Moscow is fulfilling its commitments within the framework of joint projects between the two countries.

Putin noted that the volume of trade between Russia and Iran increased by 10.4% during the first eight months of this year, and pointed to the ongoing work on constructing the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran.