WANA (Dec 24) – Kazem Jalali, Iran’s ambassador to Russia, met with Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in media and countering negative propaganda.

 

According to a report from the Iranian Embassy in Moscow, Jalali congratulated Zakharova on her birthday and extended New Year greetings to the Russian government and people.

 

Highlighting the growing ties between Iran and Russia, particularly in the media sector, Jalali stated, “This year marked a milestone in our relations, with increased collaboration in various fields. One notable success was the BRICS Summit, which Russia managed exceptionally well.”

 

Strengthening Media Strategies Against Propaganda

Acknowledging the challenges posed by adversaries to the Iran-Russia partnership, Jalali emphasized the need to enhance media cooperation and develop a strategic roadmap to counter hostile narratives and negative media campaigns.

 

Zakharova affirmed the importance of relations with Iran and welcomed the proposal to strengthen media collaboration. She highlighted the need for a series of consultative meetings to coordinate information dissemination efforts, combat false narratives from Western media, and promote accurate and professional reporting.

 

Joint Initiatives for Media Cooperation

During the meeting, both sides discussed practical measures to advance media cooperation, including:

  • Coordinating media coverage of joint events, such as the signing of a comprehensive strategic cooperation document.
  • Designing a framework for shared media narratives on bilateral and sensitive issues.
  • Facilitating visa issuance for journalists from both countries.
  • Enhancing professional and accurate reporting on regional and bilateral topics.

 

Jalali later shared details of the meeting on his social media account, quoting a Russian proverb: “Friendship is better than any wealth.”

 

He described 2024 as a year of deepened friendship and understanding between Iran and Russia, noting that the leaders of both countries are committed to strengthening relations. “The year 2025 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in our partnership,” he added.