(MENAFN) Iran's has declared that it can replace Turkey as Russia's top trade partner, as the latter has downed its economic relations with Turkey due to some critical political issues.

Relations between Russia and Turkey have soured after Turkish forces shot down a Russian Su-24 jet near the Turkish-Syrian border on Nov. 24, 2015 for alleged airspace violation.

In accordance, the import of Turkish foodstuffs and other crucial agricultural products to Russia have been completely curtailed, plus charter flights in both directions have been halted.

Following the nuclear deal, Iranian businessmen are working hard to seize the opportunity to compete with their foreign rivals and have active presence in the local and global markets.