Ashgabat (TDI): Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday in Turkmenistan, where the two leaders highlighted the growing economic cooperation between their countries and shared perspectives on global issues.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of a cultural forum, has drawn concern from the United States as Russia and Iran deepen their alliance amid strained relations with the West.
The talks come at a time when Moscow remains at odds with Washington and the European Union over its ongoing war in Ukraine, which Putin has framed as part of a broader struggle against what he describes as the “arrogant and self-interested” West.
Seeking stronger ties with nations in the Global East and Global South, Putin invited Pezeshkian to visit Russia for further discussions, an invitation that the Iranian president accepted.
“Our economic and cultural ties are growing stronger by the day,” Pezeshkian told Putin, according to media reports.
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He emphasized the need to accelerate the development of bilateral relations in line with the shared vision of both leaders.
Following their meeting, Pezeshkian outlined several areas of cooperation that the two nations aim to enhance, including gas sector development, road and rail construction, and projects in energy, petrochemicals, and electricity.
“We have constructive interaction, and we agreed to expedite the completion of these projects,” Pezeshkian said in a statement reported by Russia’s TASS news agency.
Last month, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s commitment to bolstering ties with Russia in response to Western sanctions.
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Both nations are reportedly close to finalizing a strategic partnership agreement, which Pezeshkian hopes will be concluded at the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan later this month.
The growing alliance between Moscow and Tehran has alarmed the United States, which has accused Iran of supplying Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine — an allegation Iran denies.
Putin Praises Alignment
During their meeting, Putin praised the alignment of Russian and Iranian views on global issues.
“Our assessments of current world events are often very close,” Putin told Pezeshkian, according to Russian media.
Pezeshkian also underscored the complementary strengths of both countries and their ability to assist each other on the world stage.
“Our positions in global affairs are far closer to each other than to others,” he said.
Touching on the conflict in the Middle East, Pezeshkian criticized Israel’s actions and called on the country to “stop killing innocent people,” adding that Israel’s policies were backed by the United States and the European Union.
Russia has similarly condemned Israeli airstrikes on civilian areas.
