Iran welcomes Russia's proposal for "green corridors" to fight COVID-19 pandemic

Iranian foreign minister on Wednesday welcomed a recent proposal by Russian president to lift global sanctions and create green trade corridors as the world grapples with COVID-19 pandemic, Tasnim news agency reported.

"In order to contain the situation of the coronavirus, different countries have closed their geographical borders, but opened them to provide assistance," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

"Iran welcomes the Russian idea of creating a green corridor instead of an economic war and sanctions," Zarif said, denouncing U.S. sanctions against Iran despite the COVID-19 outbreak.

The remarks made by Zarif came after Russian President Vladimir Putin called for a common plan to support the global economy.

Speaking via a G20 virtual meeting last month, Putin urged the creation of "green corridors" to transport essential goods and technologies without sanctions as the world continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

(CGTN)