Tehran, Iran, November 29
By Mehdi Sepahvand –- Trend:
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani discussed the latest developments in Syria and agreed to coordinate efforts concerning global oil and gas markets over the telephone on November 28.
“The presidents agreed to coordinate the steps on the global hydrocarbons market, including in the framework of the energy dialogue between Russia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC),” a statement by the Kremlin said November 29.
The OPEC members are going to meet November 30 in Vienna, Austria, hoping to reach some agreement to handle production and shore up prices.
“The presidents discussed the situation in the Middle East… and agreed to continue close cooperation aimed at ensuring long-term normalization of the situation in Syria,” said the message from the Kremlin.
Iran and Russia back President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian conflict, while Arab and Western states urge that Assad steps down as Syria’s president. Tehran and Moscow demand that he be part of a political process whereby a democratic government is elected.