TEHRAN, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Iran's First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Friday called for the expansion of bilateral cooperation in various areas.

In a meeting on the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in Kyrgyzstan's Cholpon-Ata, the two also discussed regional and international issues of common interest, according to a statement issued by the Iranian first vice president's office.

Aref highlighted the necessity of enhancing bilateral ties in dealing with regional issues, voicing Iran's complete readiness to promote bilateral, multilateral, and regional cooperation with Russia.

He called for pursuing bilateral cooperation, especially in the energy, tourism, and transportation sectors, as well as the implementation of transit corridors, within the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed between the two countries in January.

He added that Iran and Russia should share their scientific and technological achievements.

Aref said regional countries should pursue a multilateralism strategy and ensure the region's security and stability without foreign interference.

Regarding Iran's nuclear program, Aref said the country had always sought to build trust about its nuclear activities through negotiations, but "certain Western states" had been turning the issue into a political project.

The Russian prime minister, for his part, praised the "significant" increase in bilateral trade and economic cooperation over the past years, noting that the implementation of a free trade agreement signed between Iran and the EAEU's members in December 2023 was effective in raising the level of trade between Tehran and the Eurasian states in different areas.

Mishustin highlighted the "constant and constructive" diplomatic contacts between the two countries' leaders, emphasizing the need to promote bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and tourism.

The two sides also discussed the latest developments in the Caucasus regarding the peace agreement signed last Friday between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Under a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement signed between Iran and Russia at the Kremlin Palace on Jan. 17, the two countries agreed to boost cooperation in various fields, including economy, culture, trade, and security. Enditem