Russia to continue nuclear cooperation with Iran: Putin
www.chinaview.cn 2005-02-19 00:02:11
MOSCOW, Feb. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that his country will continue cooperation with Iran in nuclear power generation and has no intention to change its position on the Iranian nuclear issue, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.
"Iran's latest moves convince us that Iran indeed does not intend to produce nuclear weapons, and it means that we'll continue cooperation in all spheres, including in nuclear power generation," Putin said at a meeting with Iran's National Security Council Secretary Hassan Rowhani on Friday.
Meanwhile, Putin expressed the hope that "Iran will adhere to the obligations it has taken both in bilateral relations with Russia and in the international agreement."
Putin said Russia and Iran have a number of joint projects with mutual interests in the economic and security fields. "We support some of Iran's initiatives and count on Iran's reciprocity," he was quoted by Itar-Tass as saying.
Russia is currently helping Iran build its first nuclear power plant in Bushehr. Both Iran and Russia have denied Western accusations that the 800-million-dollar project could be used to develop nuclear weapons, stressing that it is being built for peaceful and civil purposes.
Rowhani, who arrived in Russia on Thursday at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov, said Iran attaches great importance to Russia's role in resolving Iran's nuclear issue.
"Along with the talks we are conducting with the European trio, we also attach great significance to the role which Russia may play in it," Rowhani said.
He said the cooperation between Iran and Russia, wherever it takes place, only contributes to stability and security, the Itar-Tass said.
The Putin-Rowhani meeting took place in the wake of US President George W. Bush's statements confirming Washington's intention to seek a diplomatic settlement of Iran's nuclear issue and to continue cooperation with all partners for this purpose.
During the meeting, Putin also said that he is preparing for a visit to Iran.
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