Mokhber made the remarks in a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak in Tehran on Wednesday.

Welcoming the favorable promotion of economic, political, and international relations between Tehran and Moscow, Mokhber stressed the need for follow-up on the North-South Corridor issue for the progress of Iran, Russia, and the region.

Novak, for his part, stressed that expanding cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran as a friend and neighbor is very important for his country.

"According to official statistics, the volume of trade relations between the two countries has increased greatly, and regional multilateral relations have also been very successful," Novak added.

He further stressed that the completion of the North-South Corridor is one of the most important agreements between the two countries, adding that the Russian side, in cooperation with Iranian officials, is ready to take the initial steps to build the Rasht-Astara railway as soon as possible.

He also expressed hope that Iran would successfully hold the upcoming parliamentary election that is scheduled to be held on March 1.