The Iranian parliament speaker has called for expanding cooperation with Russia, as both countries face “cruel” U.S. sanctions.

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf made the call during a joint press conference in Tehran with visiting chairman of the Russian State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin.

The “cruel” U.S. sanctions are the biggest threats to Iran, Russia and some other countries, Mr Qalibaf told the press conference, held after the third meeting of the Supreme Joint Parliamentary Commission of Iran and Russia.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the expansion of cooperation, investments in the oil and gas sector, and gas swaps.

They also talked about cooperation in agriculture, cereals trade, the application of modern technologies and transport, and the banking and monetary sector.

Mr Qalibaf called on Iranian and Russian banks to open branches in both countries to enable the use of their respective national currencies in bilateral trade and business transactions.

Mr Volodin said relations between Russia and Iran have reached an “excellent level” and have expanded at different levels.

He added that a comprehensive contract would be signed between the two countries, which would significantly improve their relations.

Commenting on the U.S. sanctions imposed on Russia and Iran, Mr Volodin said they only lead to greater solidarity between the two countries.

Mr Volodin arrived in the Iranian capital on Sunday night, leading several Russian officials.

(Xinhua/NAN)