Tehran, Nov 3, IRNA � Iranian and Russian presidents in a meeting in Tehran on Monday underlined the need for the further expansion of bilateral ties and mutual cooperation.

President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin laid emphasis on the further broadening of Tehran-Moscow relations.

The Iranian and Russian presidents met on the sidelines of the Third summit meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Tehran today.

President Rouhani pointed to the good and friendly relations of Iran and Russia in different sectors, and said, 'Fortunately, in recent months we have taken valuable steps for further development of Iran-Russia relations in bilateral and international domains and this trend should continue.'

The Iranian president said that Tehran and Moscow share views on many important regional and international issues.

President Rouhani pointed to the issue of fighting terrorism, and said, 'The Islamic Republic of Iran is serious in fighting terrorism and Russia also specially in recent months have taken effective measures in fighting terrorism in the region.

'Unlike those countries that talk about fighting terrorism and show off, Iran and Russia have shown that they are serious in fighting terrorism,' the Iranian president said.

President Rouhani went on to say that today terrorism is a threat for the region and the world countries.

'I am sure that the forthcoming opportunities will pave the way for further cooperation in the interest of the two nations and the region will help use to take more serious measures,' he added.

The Russian president, for his part, said that the GECF decided to facilitate the gas exporting countries to have gas cooperation with each other and also with the Iranian friends in different fields.

President Putin voiced satisfaction with his meeting with President Rouhani at the presence of the two countries' ministers and heads of different organizations.

'These talks were in continuation of the negotiations I had with Iranian Leader,' the Russian president added.

By IRNA