MOSCOW, January 16. /ITAR-TASS/. Iran hopes that Russia will continue to play an important role in the settlement of the Iranian nuclear program, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic Javad Zarif said on Thursday.

“Russia’s key role in the settlement of the Iranian nuclear program is very important, and we welcome this role and hope for its continuation,” he said.

In addition, he noted, Russia and Iran have common challenges, one of which is present in the region and threatens all — extremism. According to Zarif, this problem manifests itself in its malignant form — terrorism in various part of the world, including Russia. The Iranian foreign minister in this connection expressed condolences to Russia over the recent terrorist attacks in Volgograd.

“We attach value to Russia’s role in the prevention of a new war in the Middle East — in Syria,” he said. “We are sure that Russia’s role in the Geneva II conference will also be fundamental. We will discuss it today.

Talks between Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif are taking place in Moscow January 16. Lavrov expressed his willingness to hear Zarif’s assessment of the progress of the fulfillment of the agreements, reached in Geneva on issues related to the full and final settlement of the situation around the Iranian nuclear dossier.

Javad Zarif in his turn said that he was sure the role Russia would play in the Geneva II conference would be fundamental.