(RIA Novosti ) - Russia is seeking an early solution to all issues on Iran's nuclear program, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday opening talks with his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki .
"We would sincerely like to have all issues surrounding the Iranian nuclear program settled. This could be achieved on the basis of the nuclear nonproliferation treaty, cooperation with the IAEA and recognition of Iran's right to peaceful use of nuclear energy," the Russian diplomat said.
Under an agreement reached between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in late August, Tehran committed itself to answering all of the agency's questions on its nuclear program.
Lavrov also urged Iran to join efforts in settling regional issues, including the Middle East conflict.
The Russian foreign minister praised intensive contacts between Moscow and Tehran in the past few months.
"We have a busy bilateral agenda," Lavrov said referring to the implementation of agreements reached during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Tehran in October.
"It is very important that the approach, the business culture have become closer between the sides," Mottaki said, adding that bilateral trade between the two countries had increased recently by over 100%