[ad_1]
Tehran, Iran – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have spoken out in favor of fostering bilateral relations and discussed regional and international issues at their first meeting.
Putin was elected in August to take Raisi to the Kremlin on Wednesday as part of a two-day visit to Moscow by the Iranian president, the first since 2017.
Sitting next to a large oval table, Raisi told Putin that Iran sees no limits to developing relations with Russia, and believes that the two countries’ relations have risen to a “strategic” level and will only grow.
“Encouraging bilateral cooperation between Iran and Russia will lead to increased development and security of the two countries’ economies in the region and in the world,” the Iranian president said.
Raisi described “fighting terrorism” and organized crime as other areas where the two can work together, and said their “successful experience” in Syria – where both sides backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the war – could also work in Afghanistan. and the Caucasus.
“In any case, NATO’s accession to the Caucasus and Central Asia will threaten the common interests of independent countries,” Raisi said as Russia and the West face off. Probabilities over Ukraine, where Russia has been involved in a military construction near the border.
“Like you, we have risen up against US sanctions 40 years ago,” the president said. “The current state of emergency requires significant synergy between our two countries against unilateralism in the United States.”
Raisi also said that Iran has handed overdraft documents on a new 20-year cooperation agreement to the Russian party. The previous agreement between the countries expired last year, and they have been working to make improvements.
Before leaving for Moscow, Raisi said it could be a trip mark “turning point” adding that Iran and Russia could expand their political, economic, trade, security and space relations.
Nuclear Accord, Middle East
Putin praised the two countries’ “close cooperation” on the international stage.
“It is very important for me to know your views on the Comprehensive Comprehensive Plan of Action,” he said, referring to Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
The deal – which was unilaterally sidelined by the U.S. in 2018 – is expected to be a major focus of talks in Moscow, as negotiators are working hard to get Vienna back on track.
If the deal is reinstated, the U.S. will lift most sanctions against Iran and reduce its nuclear program.
Putin also praised the two countries’ joint efforts in Syria, saying they had a key role to play in “helping the Syrian government overcome the threats posed by international terrorism.”
The president has expressed concern about the situation in the Taliban in Afghanistan, and has said he wants to discuss the issue with Raisi.
Iran’s relations with the Eurasian Economic Union are on the rise, adding that the two sides are working to create a free trade area.
“Cooperation Roadmap”
On the second day of his visit on Thursday, Raisi is expected to address the Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, and also meet with key players and business leaders in the industry.
In a tweet from Moscow on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said the president had agreed to draw up a roadmap for long-term cooperation, adding that “the world of the future revolves around multilateralism.”
Amirabdollahian goes with Raisi along with Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji and Economy Minister Ehsan Khandoozi.
From Tehran, Iranian security chief Ali Shamkhani said in a tweet that Iran is selling its oil and getting its money, something that has become “irreversible” and therefore the US can no longer use its sanctions as a lever.
[ad_2]
Source link
