Russian, Iranian leaders forge ties in first official meeting

Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, who took office following his election in July, marking their first official meeting. 

The talks took place during the international forum "The Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the Basis of Peace and Development," held in Ashgabat in honour of the 300th anniversary of Turkmen poet Makhtumkuli Fraghi, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

As previously announced by Yury Ushakov, Putin’s aide, the two leaders focused on bilateral relations and the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

During the meeting, President Putin extended an official invitation for Pezeshkian to visit Russia, which was warmly accepted by the Iranian leader. Both sides expressed optimism about further strengthening ties between their countries.

Russian leader highlighted the strong international cooperation between Russia and Iran, noting that their perspectives on global events frequently align.

Putin also noted that the next round of discussions with Pezeshkian is planned during the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan this October. "We have a bilateral meeting scheduled there as well," Putin remarked.

Pezeshkian, who succeeded the late Ebrahim Raisi following a tragic plane crash in May, holds the position of Iran's second-highest official, following the country’s spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

By Tamilla Hasanova