Tehran and Moscow signed an agreement in 1996 to become sister-in-law, but willingness to expand ties has increased after the meeting of Asian mayors and recent developments in Moscow municipality.

Tehran SAMA quoted Russia’s ambassador to Tehran, Leone Jagarian, as telling Tehran mayor in a meeting that economic and trade relations between Iran and Russia have been less than other countries and Moscow has been trying to expand its trade volume with East Azarbaijan and Gilan provinces to make up for the deficit. He added that the new mayor of Moscow is planning to further boost ties with Tehran.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, mayor of Tehran, also hoped for further deepening of relations. He added that he had announced in Asian mayors’ conference that all economic indices of the 21^st century show that Asian countries will have the first say in economy and politics and collaboration between Tehran and Moscow can be helpful.

He noted that there are good capacities for cooperation between Tehran and Moscow as sister-in-law cities which can extend to economic and cultural areas.

The meeting between mayor of Tehran and Russian envoy took place at Ghalibaf’s office on Tuesday, May 15.