WANA (Jan 17) – The Presidents of Iran and Russia addressed reporters after signing the comprehensive strategic treaty between the two countries, outlining the treaty’s objectives and responding to journalists’ questions.

 

In a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin following the signing of the strategic cooperation documents, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated: “We hope to witness a new chapter in the strategic cooperation between the two countries. Russia holds a prominent position in Iran’s neighborhood policy. Today’s discussions focused on how to expand economic and trade cooperation between the two nations, addressing obstacles and exploring solutions. We also had positive dialogues on regional and international issues. The comprehensive cooperation document will open a new chapter in bilateral relations and pave the way for the development of cooperation between the two nations.”

 

Determined to Quickly Remove Obstacles in Iran-Russia Economic Cooperation

Referring to bilateral discussions, Pezeshkian added, “Both nations are determined to swiftly remove obstacles to economic and trade cooperation, including customs tariffs, banking issues, goods exchange, and the use of national currencies, as well as facilitating trade travel and visas. There was also emphasis on increasing the level of bilateral trade exchanges. Enhancing security cooperation and combating terrorism and organized violence were highlighted. We discussed Middle East and Caucasus issues and stressed the importance of maintaining peace in Afghanistan.”

Pezeshkian noted, “Deepening regional ties through cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS plays a significant role in regional integration and shared benefits, and active participation in these mechanisms was emphasized.”

 

Welcoming Negotiations for Peace Between Russia and Ukraine

He continued: “War is not a suitable solution, and we welcome negotiations for peace between Russia and Ukraine. We firmly believe Western countries should respect the security concerns of other nations and refrain from imposing their excessive demands on others. Both countries also stressed a permanent ceasefire in Lebanon and the cessation of Israeli aggression in Syria. We hope for a definitive ceasefire in Gaza and an end to aggression in this region.”

 

Supporting the Syrian People

During the press conference, President Putin stated: “This cooperation will lead to progress for both nations. There are many prospects for collaboration in areas such as agriculture, trade, economy, oil, energy, transportation, culture, tourism, science, and student exchanges.”

 

Putin added: “The two nations share close positions on many issues. We adhere to international principles and do not interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries. We stand against illegal sanctions imposed on both nations. Russia is committed to resolving issues in Syria based on the country’s territorial integrity. We support the Syrian people and discussed other regional developments, including the ceasefire in Gaza. We hope stability in Gaza becomes sustainable. Achieving peace and security in the Caucasus is significant for both Iran and Russia. We are very pleased with today’s discussions.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet in Moscow, Russia January 17, 2025. / WANA News Agency

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet in Moscow, Russia January 17, 2025. / WANA News Agency

Economic Relations Between Iran and Russia Should Differ From Others

Responding to a question from Iranian state media about the prospects for Iran-Russia cooperation, Putin said: “Trade relations between the two countries are very important, and we discussed the need for these relations to differ from those with other nations. Trade exchanges should increase. Currently, the trade level does not match the potential of the two countries. The purpose of today’s meeting is to expand these relations. I emphasize that Iran should develop its cooperation with the Eurasian region, as this is a critical matter, and we will take forward steps.”

 

Promoting Multilateralism for Regional Growth and Development

In response to the same question, Pezeshkian stated: “We firmly believe in strengthening ties with neighbors. Russia holds an important and valuable position in our political relations. It was necessary to revise structures to expand these ties, and these structures were revised during the signing of the strategic cooperation document. Significant decisions were made today in areas such as transportation, investment, industry, trade, and scientific and cultural relations. The committees formed will manage these objectives.”

 

Pezeshkian added: “We believe regional countries can ensure peace and progress independently. We oppose unilateralism and are capable of pursuing growth and development through multilateralism in the region. Our cooperation makes us self-sufficient. I foresee a bright future for Iran, Russia, and the region.”

Expanding Nuclear Cooperation Between Iran and Russia

Addressing ways to overcome obstacles to cooperation, Putin remarked: “There are many issues, such as energy, logistics, oil, and gas, that require coordination. We believe energy cooperation, including in the nuclear field, should expand. We discussed the possibility of constructing new facilities in the nuclear sector, which will be established. Other projects are also on the table, and administrative and operational issues will be resolved through discussions.”

 

Removing Barriers to Cooperation

Pezeshkian added: “We discussed providing facilities for cooperation and reached good conclusions. Specific agreements have been signed on transportation and energy. Expert teams are working on these areas, and we must remove barriers to cooperation to create a foundation for further collaboration.”

 

Iran and Russia Have Intelligence Cooperation

Regarding international collaboration, Putin stated: “We have coordination at the international and Middle Eastern levels. We discussed the Caucasus situation and regional matters. We have intelligence cooperation based on the UN Charter, which will be strengthened.”

 

Peace and Stability Can Be Achieved by Regional Nations

Iran’s president emphasized: “We believe peace and stability can be achieved by regional nations without foreign interference. This goal is attainable through respecting territorial integrity and eliminating foreign intervention. By expanding trade and economic ties, military solutions can be reduced.”

 

The UN Charter Should Ensure the Interests of All Nations

In response to a question about Western double standards, Putin said: “The rules and the UN Charter are important but must ensure the interests of all nations, not just a select few. The UN was created to serve collective interests and satisfy everyone, not just a handful of countries.”

 

The Era of Double Standards Is Over

Pezeshkian added: “The era of double standards is over. A country should not have the right to commit murder and bomb civilian centers while those who claim to advocate human rights defend it. Meanwhile, they accuse other countries of violating human rights. This is unacceptable, and its time is over. There is no justification for crimes against civilians or the bombing of hospitals, yet these atrocities occurred in Gaza and Lebanon. Double standards have emerged, but we are determined to eliminate unilateralism to end these double standards. The law should be uniform, and human rights should be equal for everyone. We are committed to drawing a line through unilateralism.”