Minister,

Colleagues and friends,

Welcome to Moscow. We believe this visit to be very timely.

The main item on our agenda will be the unacceptable situation concerning the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear programme. It results from the irresponsible behaviour of the United States, which pulled out of its commitments that are set forth in the corresponding UN Security Council resolution. Russia values the commitment of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the agreements that were reached and the UN Security Council resolution, as Tehran confirmed today in a statement. Today we received a message to this effect for the Russian leadership. We will study it very carefully. Of course, today’s meeting is an opportunity for us to learn about your perspective and hear first-hand explanations, which is extremely important.

Today’s meeting is also a marvellous opportunity for us to review progress on the bilateral track by looking at the development of cooperation in trade, the economy, humanitarian affairs and other spheres in keeping with the agreements reached by President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Iran Hassan Rouhani. We will also exchange views on the developments in Syria and our joint coordination efforts as part of the Astana format.

Once again, welcome.