Iran, Russia discuss avenues to bolster ties on nuclear issues

Senior officials from Iran and Russia Thursday discussed ways to promote bilateral ties on peaceful nuclear activities. issues Iran’s Ambassador to Russia Reza Sajedi and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also exchanged views on prospects for Tehran-Moscow nuclear cooperation. Ryabkov represents Russia in the Group 5+1. The two also discussed inauguration of Iran’s first nuclear power plant in Bushehr, southern Iran, based on previously agreed time table. Ryabkov reiterated Russia’s support for Iran’s right to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Meanwhile, it was reported by Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday that Iran's Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi was expected to visit Moscow on May 16-17 to exchange views with his Russian counterpart on Tehran-Moscow bilateral ties as well as major regional and international developments.