(MENAFN) Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian announced on Wednesday that the long-term cooperation agreement with Russia will be finalized and signed within a month. Amir-Abdollahian made the announcement during a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow following their delegation-level talks. The document of “strategic and long-term cooperation” between the two countries has been reviewed in both capitals, and the high-level delegations are exchanging opinions on various issues.
The cooperation agreement between Iran and Russia was signed in March 2001, designed for 10 years and subsequently extended twice for five years. The updated version of the agreement proposes increased cooperation and collaboration between Tehran and Moscow in key areas, including trade, security, and transportation.
The delegation-level talks also focused on the developments in the Caucasus region. Amir-Abdollahian emphasized that Iran does not consider the tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the interest of the region, and issues must be resolved through the 3+3 mechanism. He also highlighted that Tehran and Moscow are trying to bring the views of Türkiye and Syria closer to each other in order to facilitate the restoration of full diplomatic ties between them.
The quadrilateral meeting of Iran, Russia, Türkiye, and Syria will be held next week at the level of deputy foreign ministers, which may be followed by a ministerial-level meeting. Amir-Abdollahian also expected continued cooperation between Tehran and Moscow in international organizations, particularly the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), of which Iran is the latest member.
The top Iranian diplomat arrived in Moscow on Tuesday evening, accompanied by a high-level delegation. Upon arrival, he stated that bilateral, regional and international issues would be discussed during the visit, including the stalled talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. Amir-Abdollahian also noted that trade volume between the two countries has increased 3.5 times in the past year and a half despite tensions soaring between the West and the two countries. Overall, the meeting between the two foreign ministers was a sign of the continued strong relationship between Iran and Russia and their commitment to enhancing cooperation in various fields.
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