On March 24, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif at the latter’s request.

The coronavirus pandemic was discussed. High praise was given to bilateral cooperation in countering this global challenge. Notes were compared regarding corresponding measures and initiatives at international organisations, including the UN.

The Russian minister reiterated Russia’s plans to continue to comprehensively promote Russian-Iranian trade and economic ties and investment projects, including increasing the supply of agricultural products, which our good neighbour badly needs, being among other things under the pressure of illegal unilateral US sanctions. Previously sent humanitarian aid from Russia to Iran was mentioned.

Sergey Lavrov pointed out that Russia continues to urge Washington to immediately lift its inhumane sanctions that prevent the respective governments from combating COVID-19.

The parties exchanged views on current items on the international agenda, including the Syrian settlement and the situation in Afghanistan.