MOSCOW, March 15. /TASS/. Russia and Iran are convinced that no illegitimate sanctions will hinder the development of cooperation between the countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday after talks with his visiting Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

"We paid great attention to trade and economic cooperation, stated a steady growth in trade, despite the ongoing illegitimate sanctions, despite the coronavirus pandemic, last year it grew by almost 82% and exceeded $4 billion," the minister said.

"We agreed not to rest on our laurels and build up business ties, including contributing to improvement of their quality, in particular at the interregional level. And we are sure, confirmed this with Mr. Minister, that no illegitimate sanctions will interfere with our forward movement," Lavrov added.

As the minister noted, Russia and Iran hold close positions on topical international issues.

"We have a common position regarding the concept of so-called rules-based order promoted by Western partners, led by the United States, with which they are trying to replace international law and which is the embodiment of injustice and double standards. As well as the illegitimate unilateral restrictions that I have already mentioned, directed primarily against ordinary citizens," the Russian Foreign Minister stressed.

"We spoke out very firmly in favor of the democratization of international life on the basis of strict observance by all of the UN Charter and the principles contained therein, and for strengthening the central role of the UN in world affairs. We decided to continue to develop effective cooperation within the UN, where our positions traditionally coincide or are very close," Lavrov concluded.