TEHRAN, April 1 (AFP) - Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi said his country's solid relations with Russia were crucial to the Middle East and central Asia, the official IRNA news agency reported Saturday, implying that the Islamic republic should not damage its ties with Russia despite the Chechen conflict.

"Russia and Iran have played an important role for peace and security in the entire region. That's why the situation in the region depends upon our relations," which he described as "strong and solid."

Iran's leadership wants regular contacts with Russia, Kharazi said in a statement Friday.

He also described newly-elected Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "determined man" with "strong popular support."

Iran has close relations with Russia, including nuclear cooperation.

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