MOSCOW: In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi discussed the growth of bilateral economic relations and international cooperation. Despite the pandemic, trade between the two nations climbed by over 6% in 2020, and by more than 38% last year, according to Putin. When it comes to international collaboration, Putin says that Russia and Iran can help the Syrian government "overcome threats posed by international terrorists." "Relations between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are improving, and we are actively trying to establish a free-trade zone between Iran and our association," the Kremlin said, quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Raisi, for his part, advocated for the expansion of bilateral economic, trade, cultural, political, and military ties with Russia. "We can build synergy in our relationship in the current, extremely extraordinary circumstances, when there is hostility to the unilateral activities of the West, particularly the United States," Raisi added. Despite Western sanctions and threats, Raisi stated that Iran will continue to prosper and that she would try to establish procedures for the progressive easing of all sanctions and restrictions. The Iranian leader emphasised the need of strengthening trade and economic ties, hailing Iran's and Russia's current collaboration under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the EAEU. Putin discusses Kazakhstan with leaders of CSTO member states by phone Sri Lanka criticises Tamil parties' call to India's Prime Minister for assistance. Ukraine, Regional Issues: Foreign Secretary Shringla talks with US Dy State Secy