Russia and Iran to expand cooperation on space under new treaty

Moscow and Tehran will expand joint work, exchange of views and experience in space exploration and research for peaceful purposes. There is a corresponding provision in the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Iran, signed on January 17 by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian.

"The contracting parties shall expand interaction, exchange of views and experience in the sphere of research and space exploration for peaceful purposes," reads the text of the document published on the Kremlin' s website.

In addition, the two states will cooperate in healthcare and science, including on medical scientific research and training. This cooperation will cover the organization of state health care systems and management in this area, prevention and treatment of infectious and other diseases, protection of maternal and child health, state regulation of the turnover of medicines and medical products, and promotion of healthy lifestyles.

The document stipulates that Moscow and Tehran will help develop cooperation between educational and scientific organizations, including in the development and implementation of common scientific, technical and research projects, exchange work and training, transfer of scientific and technical information, periodicals, scientific literature and bibliographies between Russia and Iran.

In addition, the two countries, according to the article of the agreement, will assist each other in the prevention and elimination of natural and man-made disasters, to improve the crisis management system.

It is specified that the treaty is valid for 20 years and is automatically prolonged in subsequent five-year periods.

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.

Later, the Iranian president met with the Russian leader, who emphasized the importance of the Iranian counterpart's arrival, as it allows discussing all aspects of relations between Moscow and Tehran. After the meeting, Pezeshkian and Putin signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.

After signing the document, the Iranian president noted that Russia plays an important role in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic, and the new treaty will open "a new big chapter" in the partnership between the states. The Russian leader, in turn, pointed out that ties between Moscow and Tehran are large-scale and mutually beneficial, and they are developing in the economy, culture and social sphere.