WANA (Oct 23) – Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, stated: “After returning from Ashgabat, I have been actively following up on the agreements with Russia to finalize and sign them. If any issues arise along the way, I will personally pursue them because I believe the relationship between the two countries is strategic, inevitable, and beneficial for both nations.”

 

He continued: “We can have constructive engagement within the framework of BRICS. We appreciate your support in making us a permanent member of BRICS. We will continue this path with strength. The topics discussed at BRICS were very constructive, and we hope to implement these ideas in our region and countries.”

 

The Iranian president added: “We must break the U.S. sanctions against both countries and its hegemony. We should foster political, economic, cultural, and scientific relations. I hope we can quickly sign the agreements. I am determined to personally follow up on these agreements and finalize and sign them at the earliest opportunity.”

 

During the meeting, the Russian President stated: “Russia actively supported Iran’s membership in BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. New opportunities have emerged for both countries to work together on the international stage. Recently, we had a productive meeting in Ashgabat, where we discussed bilateral and regional issues. The important thing is that both countries share a common approach to enhancing relations.”

 

He added: “The relations between the two countries are on an upward trend, friendly and constructive. We must strengthen our relations by signing bilateral agreements. It is important to ensure the continued growth of trade and economic ties. The bilateral commission should remain active. We are pursuing the development of railway infrastructure within the North-South Corridor, the construction of phases two and three of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, and free trade between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union. The agreement on establishing and operating cultural centers has come into effect. Visa waiver has led to a 50% increase in tourists between the two countries in 2023.”

 

Putin also noted that Iran and Russia share similar positions on regional and global issues, saying: “We are seeking a just, multipolar world order and the preservation of the United Nations’ role.”

 

He concluded: “It would be a pleasure if you could convey my greetings to Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. We highly value his positions.”