Sergey Lavrov's visit to Tehran was one of the most anticipated events for Russian foreign policy in the current year .

In light of the conclusion of November 24 between Iran and a group of international mediators of the preliminary agreement and the definition of " road map" for further settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue in Geneva , visit one of the group members to Tehran - a landmark event . Even despite the fact that Lavrov , in his own statement, had any authority from the "six" , his visit to Iran and meeting with the Foreign Minister and President of this country clearly demonstrates Russia's support for the peace initiatives of the Islamic Republic in the Geneva consultations.

However, the demonstration effect of the visit , of course, not limited . In the economic field between the parties was reached very specific agreement to resume the activities of the intergovernmental Russian- Iranian commission on trade -economic and scientific -technical cooperation. Furthermore, this co-chairs already defined structure. This is - a serious factor to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields , and , given the prospect of lifting the sanctions with the Islamic Republic , we can talk about this part of the success of this visit, Sergei Lavrov . It is worth noting that earlier some Russian experts expressed concerns with regards to a possible reorientation of Iran to the West, in the case of removal from that sanctions and the expulsion of Russian business stronger European and American . Lavrov's visit and the agreement on the resumption of the intergovernmental commission to some extent removes these concerns.

Not spared and the situation in Syria . Lavrov has once again confirmed the desirability of Iranian involvement in the Geneva Conference -2 to determine the plan for future peace settlement in the country . During his press conference, the Russian minister questioned the importance of the claims of Saudi Arabia and the Syrian opposition about Iran's participation in the conference and the official Damascus. On the issue of the settlement of the Syrian positions of Moscow and Tehran , voiced by Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Javad Zarif and its president Hassan Rouhani , once again converged . Parties noted the need to define further the political process in Syria by the Syrians themselves .

In addition to the Syrian problem, Lavrov also touched on other cornerstones of Middle East stability , such as the Iraqi and Afghan settlement . The first concern is the in Russia , as in all over the world , once again increased the number of terrorist attacks , from which only this year killed more than 7,000 people. The second is directly dangerous to Moscow and Tehran swift withdrawal of the international coalition , the prospect of enhancing drug and a new civil war , which contain unlikely the current regime . However, directly affect both situations , neither Russia nor Iran have opportunities , so Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart only agreed positions and identified possible joint actions to combat terrorism and drug trafficking.

Negotiations on the status of the Caspian Sea , in the absence of any specific initiatives, the parties also passed only in the spirit of mutual good intentions , is not finished by any agreements. Iranian diplomats have high hopes and Russia put the planned for autumn 2014 Caspian summit.

It should be noted that not in all negotiations Sergei Lavrov and Iranian officials have gone smoothly . Thus , the foreign minister of Iran categorically rejected the possibility of a deal to supply Tehran complexes Russian Antey-2500 instead provided by the Russian side has broken the 2010 deal to supply air defense systems S-300 . Islamic Republic intends to continue to seek recognition of their rights under the procurement of this type of weapons, and the expectations of the Russian Federation on the denunciation of her claim before an international court , did not materialize.

This suggests that , despite the benevolent attitude of both sides, the contradictions between them persist - and in a sufficiently important strategic area . In this regard, Iran and Russia , despite attempts by some experts, can hardly now be called allies. Rather, it is the regional partnerships which carried mostly in the political and to a lesser extent - in the economic sphere . Sergey Lavrov's visit confirmed the intention of the two states to develop and strengthen their interaction , and gave hope to some intensification after release from Tehran sanctions. Moreover , Russia continues to support Iran in this matter , despite the risks.