Pezeshkian pointed to Russia's big role in Iran's foreign policy

Russia plays a big role in Iran's foreign policy, which prioritizes preserving good-neighborliness. This statement was made by Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian on January 17 following the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between the countries.

"Today's big treaty that was signed will open a new big chapter in our relations. Especially the trade and economic relations between Iran and Russia," he emphasized.

Among other things, the Iranian president pointed to new opportunities for Russian-Iranian interaction given the role of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). According to him, active participation of the countries in these structures is of great importance.

Pezeshkian also named the countries' joint approach in the fight against terrorism and extremism as one of the grounds for further cooperation between Iran and Russia. In addition, the Iranian leader noted that he favors a political settlement of the conflict in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called the Russian-Iranian ties large-scale and mutually beneficial following the signing of the agreement. According to him, Russia attaches paramount importance to further strengthening of friendly and good-neighborly relations between the countries.

In talks with the Russian leader, Pezeshkian said the relations between the countries are strategic and comprehensive. He said the interaction between Russia and Iran "will shed light on all problems in the region."

The Iranian president arrived in Russia on an official visit earlier in the day. The Iranian leader was met in Moscow by Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko and Igor Bogdashev, head of the Foreign Ministry's State Protocol Department. On the same day, he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden in Moscow.