TEHRAN - Iran's Oil Minister Javad Owji said on Thursday that his country has seen strengthened cooperation with Russia over the past year, especially in the energy sector, despite the "unjust" sanctions imposed on the two countries.

He made the remarks at the 6th Russian Energy Week International Forum in Moscow, according to the Shana News Agency affiliated with the Iranian Oil Ministry.

In addition to creating economic benefits, energy cooperation between the two sides helps improve mutual understanding, contributes to regional and global stability, and prepares the ground for further bilateral collaboration in other sectors, said Iran's Oil Minister Javad Owji  

Owji said the cooperation between Iran and Russia has not been "unimpeded," noting that the two sides have faced numerous challenges, including those brought by the sanctions.

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"We, however, managed to overcome the obstacles by finding innovative solutions through strong determination and persistence," the minister added.

He said that, in addition to creating economic benefits, energy cooperation between the two sides helps improve mutual understanding, contributes to regional and global stability, and prepares the ground for further bilateral collaboration in other sectors.

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Russian Energy Week International Forum is a key international event to address the most pressing issues in the energy sector. This year's forum kicked off on Wednesday and runs till Friday