WANA (Jan 17) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran supports all efforts to restore and preserve peace and security in the region and maintains close communication with its Russian counterparts in this regard.

 

Growing Importance of BRICS and SCO

Baghaei emphasized the increasing significance of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in countering Western sanctions, noting their effectiveness in reducing the impact of such measures.

 

Iran-Russia Cooperation Against Sanctions and Unilateralism

In response to a question about joint efforts with Russia to counter sanctions and Western unilateralism, Baghaei said: “We have extensive bilateral cooperation with Russia in line with the mutual economic interests of both nations. Additionally, we engage in close consultations at international organizations, including the United Nations, to combat norms and concepts that contradict the principles of the UN Charter.”

He highlighted the “Friends of the UN Charter” initiative, which has brought together a significant number of countries, working on legal and international norm-setting to protect international law principles.

 

Coordination on Regional Stability Efforts

Addressing whether Iran-Russia talks include coordination on the Syrian issue, Baghaei affirmed Iran’s position on strengthening cooperation with Russia for regional stability, particularly in Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon. He stated: “Iran supports all efforts to restore and maintain peace and security in the region and remains in close contact with its Russian friends in this area.”

 

Baghaei further noted: “Russia is a key and influential player on the international stage and continues to play a significant role in West Asia. Regarding Syria, Iran has closely cooperated with the Syrian government, at their request, to combat the spread of terrorism and violent extremism in the country and the broader region.”