Putin says new impetus in Russia-Iran cooperation after signing treaty

The Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Moscow and Tehran will give the partnership between the two countries an additional impetus in all areas. Russian leader Vladimir Putin said this at a meeting with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian on January 17.

"[Today] we will sign a large basic treaty between Russia and Iran on comprehensive strategic partnership. <...> This is important because it will give us an opportunity to give additional impetus to almost all areas of our cooperation," Putin said.

He pointed to the importance of Pezeshkian's visit to Moscow, as his arrival gives an opportunity to discuss all areas of cooperation.

The Russian leader said he was pleased that the work on the preparation of the agreement between Russia and Iran has been finalized. This document will further promote the development of trade and economic ties between the two countries, although they are already at a good level.

The head of state drew attention to the fact that Moscow and Tehran continue to develop joint projects, including in nuclear energy. There are also good prospects for joint work in logistics. In addition, consultations between the two states on the international agenda both in the world and in the region are in demand.

Pezeshkian, for his part, expressed hope at the meeting that the strategic partnership agreement with Russia will be "a solid foundation for moving forward." In addition, the Iranian president pointed out that Moscow and Tehran have good agreements on the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in the Islamic Republic and today they could be put into final form.

Iran's chief executive, in talks with the Russian leader, described the Russian Federation as a brotherly and friendly country with which it is important to strengthen relations. He added that cooperation between Tehran and Moscow is of strategic importance.

The Iranian president arrived in Moscow on an official visit earlier in the day. Among those welcoming him were Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev and Foreign Ministry officials. Pezeshkian laid a wreath of scarlet roses and white lilies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden.

On the eve of January 16, the Kremlin press service said that the presidents of Russia and Iran will sign a strategic partnership agreement after their meeting on January 17. The agreement reflects taking bilateral relations between Moscow and Tehran to a new level. The document sets out the legal framework within which the two countries' relations will develop in the long term.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed on January 15 that the comprehensive partnership agreement between Russia and the Islamic Republic does not include the creation of a military alliance between Moscow and Tehran, although the document does contain defense and security clauses.