TEHRAN, October 19. /TASS/. Moscow would respect Iran’s decision to join the Mecca Pact if Tehran concludes that doing so would contribute to peace, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a joint news conference following talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

"If at some stage the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran decides that contacts with this structure could help advance the cause of peace and free development, we will respect the choice of our friends," the Russian foreign minister said.

He recalled that Russia had welcomed the formation of the Mecca Pact. "We proceed from the understanding that the goals declared as the foundation of this association are to achieve stability and promote peace and cooperation," Lavrov said. He added that "some other countries and regions, including Arab states, have also expressed interest in this ‘trio’ and in joining its work."