Putin and Pezeshkian Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement during Moscow Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held talks today at the Kremlin, marking the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations between Russia and Iran. Pezeshkian, who is on an official visit to Russia, was joined by several key Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev, among others.

The talks culminated in the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the two nations. The new treaty aims to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, energy, and humanitarian relations.

"Your visit holds special significance," Putin remarked during the meeting. "We have not only had the opportunity to discuss all areas of our cooperation but also to sign this important agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Iran. We have worked on this for a long time, and I am pleased that we have brought this work to completion. This agreement will give us the chance to give an additional boost to nearly all areas of our interaction."

Putin emphasized the strong growth in trade between the two countries, citing a 15.5% increase in trade turnover in the first ten months of the previous year. He also noted ongoing and future projects in the fields of energy, particularly nuclear power, as well as significant developments in logistics and cultural exchanges. "Tourism exchanges have grown by about 21%, and we are looking forward to the Russian Culture Days in Iran this June," Putin added.

Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome, conveying a message from Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He echoed the importance of strengthening ties with Russia, both regionally and internationally. "As you rightly pointed out, our cooperation is expanding not only in the region but also globally. The signing of today’s agreement will provide a major boost to our bilateral relations and serve as a solid foundation for future progress," said Pezeshkian.

The Iranian President also discussed ongoing projects, including the construction of a nuclear power plant, which he described as a positive development. "Our teams are working on resolving the final details of this important project," he stated, adding that recent delays and minor issues had been addressed, ensuring the smooth continuation of these initiatives.

Pezeshkian further emphasized the importance of resolving regional issues through agreements between local parties, expressing concern over the destabilizing presence of external forces in the region. "We believe that regional problems must be solved through agreements between regional powers. The presence of extra-regional forces can only exacerbate the situation," he said.

The signing of the strategic partnership agreement marks a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between Russia and Iran, with both sides committed to advancing cooperation across various domains in the years to come.