Rouhani, Putin discuss US exit from nuke deal

QINGDAO, June 09 (Agencies): Iranian Presi-dent Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday he wanted more talks with Russia about what he called the 'illegal' US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.

Speaking at the start of his Saturday's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Qingdao, China.

Rouhani hailed close ties between Russia and Iran.

Iran has an observer status in the SCO, and Putin said that Moscow would support the full-fledged Iranian membership.

Rouhani said that the US exit from the nuclear agreement with Iran warrants an "important and serious discussion between our two countries."

Rouhani also hailed Russia-Iran cooperation in Syria, saying "our role in the region is quite significant." Russia and Iran have staunchly backed Syrian President Bashar Assad, helping turn the tide of war in his favor.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes his expected meeting with his US counterpart Donald Trump will be constructive.