Iranian and Russian Foreign Ministers discuss North-South transport corridor project's implementation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived on 25 February on a working visit to Iran, where he met with his counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

Following the talks, the Foreign Ministers made statements to the media. Abbas Araghchi said the sides discussed bilateral relations between Moscow and Tehran, as well as a number of regional and international issues.

"Cooperation between Russia and Iran continues to develop in the spheres of energy, railway construction, agriculture, trade, tourism, and in many other areas"

Abbas Araqchi Iranian Foreign Minister

For his part, Lavrov said the meeting highlighted the high level of political dialogue between the states. 

In addition, the Russian Foreign Minister emphasised that contacts between Moscow and Tehran continue in the multilateral format as well, including in the context of Iran obtaining observer status at the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

"We expect an intergovernmental agreement between EAEU members and Iran on free trade to enter into force in the very near future. This will, of course, contribute to the growth of trade turnover throughout our space with our Iranian neighbours. [...] Our trade is showing positive dynamics: last year trade turnover increased by more than 13 per cent, and there is every reason to believe that this trend will continue"

Sergey Lavrov Russian Foreign Minister

He added that Russia is satisfied with Iran's steps taken before the start of construction of the Resht-Astara railway line, which is necessary for the full-fledged launch of the North-South international transport corridor. According to him, the Russian side expects that the construction will start soon, the Russian Federation will provide an export credit for this purpose. 

The ministers also agreed to boost ties in the United Nations (UN), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and BRICS.

In addition, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian received the Russian Foreign Minister in Tehran. Lavrov conveyed to him a greeting from Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as reported by IRNA, a partner of TV BRICS. The Iranian President said the country is determined to strengthen relations with Russia both regionally and globally.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the countries on 17 January. As Pezeshkian emphasised, the document has become an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations and opened new prospects for cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, trade, and transport.

Photo: IRNA