Putin Praises Strategic Russia-Iran Relations

St. Petersburg, The Gulf Observer: Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded the “strategic” and increasingly dynamic relations between Russia and Iran during a meeting with Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, on Thursday. The meeting took place at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg, coinciding with the 14th BRICS summit of high-ranking security officials.

Putin credited the strengthening of bilateral ties to the ongoing support of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, expressing his personal regards and best wishes. He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to broad cooperation with Iran, noting the positive momentum in bilateral relations over recent years.

During the meeting, Putin announced plans to meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of an upcoming BRICS summit in late October. The Russian president also emphasized the importance of signing a comprehensive cooperation agreement between the two nations, signaling Russia’s intent to deepen collaboration across various sectors.

Trade between Russia and Iran has flourished, with the volume of trade increasing by nearly 10% in the first half of 2024. Putin also highlighted the International North-South Transport Corridor as a key priority for both nations, reaffirming Russia’s support for Iran’s transportation route as a strategic link for future economic growth.

Ahmadian conveyed Ayatollah Khamenei’s greetings and reiterated the Iranian government’s commitment to furthering ties with Russia. Both officials emphasized the ongoing mutual efforts to strengthen political, economic, and security cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting underscores the evolving partnership between Moscow and Tehran, positioning the two nations as key players in regional and global geopolitics.