Iranian Supreme Leader’s top adviser for international affairs Ali Akbar Velayati. (Source: Fars News Agency)

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency) — Iranian Supreme Leader’s top adviser for international affairs Ali Akbar Velayati said enhanced cooperation between Tehran and Moscow could help repel western threats to the region.

“In light of the new developments, Iran and Russia should upgrade their policies and approaches in order to effectively respond to the existing multi-layered threats. To this end, they should also broaden strategic and long-term relations in all spheres,” Velayati said Wednesday, while addressing a conference in Moscow entitled ‘Iran-Russia Cooperation in Contemporary Geopolitics.’

During his speech, Velayati noted that the moves and policies of some western states, specially the United States, are threatening the regional countries, including Iran and Russia.

He then underscored Russia’s important place in Iran’s foreign policy, and added that both sides could help each other play a far more influential role in the contemporary world.

In relevant remarks earlier on Wednesday, Velayati had said Tehran and Moscow were making every effort to broaden bilateral relations in all spheres.

“The two countries’ high-ranking officials are working round the clock to help develop and cement relations. Such visits and discussions could help them do more to this end,” Velayati said in a meeting with President of Russian Institute for Strategic Studies Leonid Reshetnikov as well as high-ranking members of the think-tank in Moscow.

Velayati headed to Moscow on Monday for talks with Russian officials on the latest bilateral and regional developments.

Upon arrival in Moscow, he stated that when it comes to Syria and the region, Tehran and Moscow share a common stance.

“The deep-seated ties between Iran and Russia are unique. They have always worked together to resolve major regional issues, particularly in nuclear and defense,” Velayati told reporters.

According to the top aide, one instance of mutual cooperation came to the fore once Iran, Russia, Syria and Iraq formed a new coalition to fight all manners of terrorism and extremism in the region.

He reiterated that Tehran and Moscow have a similar position with regard to Syria and battling terrorism in the region, adding that the issues will be discussed with Russian officials during his stay in Moscow.