Iran reaffirms commitment to expanding long-term cooperation with Russia

Iran’s leadership is focused on further developing its relationship with Russia, aiming to elevate their bilateral cooperation to a new level.

During a meeting with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref made the statement emphasising the importance of long-term, comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports referring to Russian media.

"Iran's intention to develop relations with Russia is consistently at the highest level. Iran attaches great importance to building long-term and comprehensive cooperation with the Russian Federation," Aref stated.

The vice president also pointed out the vast potential for expanding cooperation, particularly in the economic sector, and highlighted the importance of increasing trade turnover between the two nations. 

Russia and Iran are also in the final stages of negotiating a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, which has been discussed extensively by their officials. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that the agreement is ready and that the terms are being finalized. "Regarding the new intergovernmental treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Iran, as you know, it is ready," Zakharova said, addressing rumours that the countries had reconsidered their plans. She clarified that the treaty will be signed in a formal setting during a bilateral visit, although the specific dates are still under coordination.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier also emphasized the importance of the upcoming treaty, calling it a "significant factor in strengthening Russia-Iran relations." He noted that the agreement would reaffirm both countries' commitment to enhanced cooperation, particularly in the defence sector, while contributing to peace and security on both regional and global scales.

The Iranian ambassador had previously indicated that the treaty might be signed during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. However, it was later agreed that the document would be officially signed after the summit, during a separate visit by the Iranian president to Russia. "The comprehensive cooperation agreement will be signed following the BRICS summit during Pezeshkian's trip to Moscow," the ambassador confirmed.

This new agreement is being heralded as a potential historic turning point in bilateral relations between Russia and Iran, with significant discussions already taking place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian. These talks, which took place in Ashgabat in October, are expected to unlock new opportunities for collaboration across various sectors, including energy, transport, industry, agriculture, science, technology, and defence.

In September, President Putin emphasized Russia's commitment to strengthening its global partnerships, particularly with nations like Iran, which seek long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation. This partnership will not only help to enhance Russia’s influence but also foster deeper connections between the Russian Far East and international partners, paving the way for sustained economic and strategic growth.

By Tamilla Hasanova