BISHKEK. June 14 (Interfax) - The present situation in the Middle East and continuing external pressure and sanctions highlight the need for even closer interaction between Russia and Iran, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said.
"The situation unfolding in the region highlights the need for even greater interaction between our countries. In today's conditions of serious external pressure and external sanctions, the need for interaction between the countries of the region, including between our countries, is becoming more relevant every day," Rouhani said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit on Friday.
Russia and Iran cooperate in many areas, he said.
"It is far easier to say that there are no spheres in which we don't interact," Rouhani said.
Rouhani additionally congratulated Putin on Russia Day, which was marked on June 12.
Relations between Russia and Iran "are exemplary and move forward every day," he said.