Moscow, 20 January 2022 (TDI): Russian President, Vladimir Putin, held a meeting with the Iranian President, Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi, in Moscow. The objective of the meeting was to discuss matters of bilateral cooperation.
It included international and regional affairs along with issues regarding the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The purposed visit took place on January 19, 2022.
Before the meeting began, Putin extended best wishes to the Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei. In return, Ebrahim Raisi thanked the Russian government for the warm welcome and offered best regards on behalf of their Supreme Leader.
During the discussion, the two agreed that bilateral trade has increased over 6 percent despite the pandemic. Last year, trade grew by more than 38 percent which enabled both states to carry out projects in many areas.
Both leaders touched upon matters of international concern as well. They maintained that their governments helped to resolve the Syrian Crisis and international terrorism. However, the crisis of Afghanistan is yet to be resolved.
Furthermore, President Putin reiterated that his government is developing relations with Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to create a framework of free trade. This will be beneficial for Iran which is currently cooperating with EAEU under a temporary agreement.
It is to be noted that Iran is also an observer in the Shangai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Moscow has supported Iran’s full membership in SCO. Moreover, the focus of the Iranian President was on sustainable bilateral relations which is crucial to developing the economy, trade, culture, and politics.
This bilateral cooperation is expected to be permanent and strategic in the future. Regardless, the Iranian President hoped that cooperation with Moscow will help to deter the actions of the US.
Currently, Iran is facing sanctions and threats in the context of JCPOA. Therefore, Iran is working on multifaceted areas to increase trade and investment opportunities.
Iranian President emphasized that a new comprehensive framework is required for collaboration in the fields of economy, science, politics, culture, technology, defense, aviation, and space. This will develop the synergy to create and expand bilateral ties of both states.