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President Vladimir Putin: I am pleased to note that contacts at all levels between Russia and Iran have intensified recently. I remember how warmly you welcomed us in Tehran. The summit meeting of the leaders of the Caspian region, organized by Iran, was certainly a success, and this is a serious move towards cooperation. In the bilateral format, we have stepped up cooperation on almost all fronts. Most recently, our Foreign Minister visited Tehran again.

I am very pleased to note the intensification of contacts between your country and the IAEA. We welcome the expansion of cooperation and expect that all your nuclear programmes will be open, transparent and conducted under the supervision of this international organization.

We are very happy that you are here. Please convey our very best wishes to the Iranian leadership, the spiritual leader of Iran and the President.

Secretary General of the Iranian National Security Council Said Djalili: In the name of Allah the Merciful and the Compassionate, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to meet with you and would like to express my congratulations on behalf of both the Iranian leadership and the Iranian people on the convincing victory in the recent elections. These were very important elections. For political stability and the fundamental strength of the state, we always adhere to two basic principles. The first is cooperation, the second-healthy competition of political forces. The victory on 2 December in the elections demonstrated a high level of political involvement and the healthy competition that exists among Russia's political forces. This makes this victory particularly significant. In this regard, I would like to convey to you my most sincere congratulations.

Said Djalili: Your visit to Tehran was a turning point in the history of relations between our countries. I think that it can be said without exaggeration that with this visit our relations entered a new phase. I mean the relationship between Russia and both the Iranian leadership and the Iranian people. Fortunately, today, our political relations are going through a period of strategic partnership. And our leadership's political will is that our relations are long-term, strategic and forward looking. Today, our prospects have developed in a way that gives both Russia and Iran domestic political stability and continued steady development.