WANA (Sep 02) – Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, announced that Tehran and Moscow are on the verge of completing work on a comprehensive bilateral partnership agreement, describing it as a symbolic step in the relations between the two countries under Iran’s new administration.

 

During a meeting on Monday with professors and students at MGIMO University, which is affiliated with Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lavrov stated that only technical details remain before the agreement is finalized. This agreement encompasses all aspects of the partnership between the two countries and represents a symbolic milestone in Russia’s relationship with the new Iranian government.

 

Previously, Iran’s ambassador to Moscow mentioned that significant efforts had been made over the past two and a half years to finalize this agreement, with numerous exchanges between officials of both countries. Ultimately, legal experts from the foreign ministries of Iran and Russia initialed the document.

 

In another part of his remarks, Lavrov criticized the G7, asserting that the group has effectively become a military outpost of the United States, where decisions are made to contain Russia and other rivals. He emphasized that the G7, which once claimed to be an exclusive club regulating the global economy, has now turned into a U.S. military hub planning to curb the development of Russia, China, Iran, and other U.S. competitors.

 

Lavrov highlighted that the GDP of the BRICS countries, even before the group’s expansion, had surpassed that of the G7 in terms of purchasing power parity. He noted that the G7’s decision to create the G20 group indicates a recognition that they cannot handle global challenges alone.

 

The Russian Foreign Minister also stressed that the G7 is striving to maintain its disproportionate influence within the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), slowing down reforms in these institutions to preserve its dominant role. However, Lavrov added, the G7’s loss of influence is inevitable and will continue.

 

Lavrov further remarked that the West has always sought to destroy Russia, but Russia remains open to contact with Western countries while firmly responding to unfriendly actions. He stated that Moscow is prepared for any scenario.

 

The senior Russian diplomat also noted that today, about 50 countries have united under the West’s banner against Russia, reminiscent of the Nazi era. However, if Russia’s interests are not considered, Moscow will not integrate into any Western-led projects.