Iranian and Russian Foreign Ministers confirm interest in moving towards visa-free travel for tourists

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi held talks in Moscow. They focused on bilateral cooperation, international agenda and implementation of major infrastructure projects. Lavrov emphasised that the relations between the two countries are fully in line with the spirit of comprehensive strategic partnership. The live broadcast was carried out on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

According to the Russian Foreign Minister, mutual trade turnover in 2023 increased by 13 per cent and almost reached a record level of about US$5 billion. In April, the State Duma and the Federation Council ratified the strategic partnership agreement signed in January. The document, as Lavrov noted, will have "the most positive impact" on the development of relations.

The sides paid special attention to preparations for the meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which will be held in Moscow on 23-25 April 2025. They are expected to discuss key projects - the construction of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Rasht-Astara railway route as part of the North-South international transport corridor (ITC).

Lavrov noted the importance of the early launch of the free trade agreement between the EAEU and Iran, which will come into force on 15 May 2025.

The Iranian Minister, in turn, conveyed a message from Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed confidence in the stability and "long-term nature" of relations between the countries. He said the strategic co-operation agreement is designed for at least 20 years.

Araghchi reaffirmed unity of approach with Moscow in the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and BRICS, stressing Iran's active participation in Russia's initiatives in the association.

"We are on the right track and will continue our work in all fields," he said.

Farhad Ibragimov, a political scientist and specialist on Iran's internal and external policies, told TV BRICS that the Iranian Foreign Minister's visit to Russia confirms the stability of the strategic dialogue between the countries.

The expert noted that the Iranian side demonstrates readiness for a constructive agenda and offers specific formats of interaction, including the energy, industrial, and logistics sectors.

According to him, one of the practical steps will be the launch of payment systems – MIR cards will start working fully in Iran, and the Iranian Shetab system – in Russia. This will remove barriers and give a new impetus to the economy.

He noted that the agreement with Russia strengthens Iran's position in the international arena, especially in the negotiation processes. Tehran gains confidence in the reliable support of players such as Russia and China.

The North-South ITC project, he added, is important both geopolitically and geo-economically. The inclusion of countries such as Russia, Iran and India makes the project not only an alternative to the Suez Canal, but also a basis for sustainable cooperation.

Photo: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs