The Russian politician said the two countries had great potential for economic cooperation, particularly in energy, including nuclear energy, gas production and transport programs to create the North-South Corridor.
Development of trade and economic relations between Russia and Iran, and implementation of several major bilateral programmes should give impetus to economic development in the Middle East and Central Asia in general, Naryshkin said.
Asked about Iran’s possible membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a security bloc made up of former Soviet republics, Naryshkin said, “This proposal — to participate in the work of CSTO institutions — has been made. But the final decision rests with our Iranian counterparts."