Russia Friendly Neighbour, Strategic Partner of Iran: Rouhani

In a Wednesday meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on a visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran to attend the trilateral meeting of Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan, Rouhani said Tehran, Moscow and Baku’s trilateral relations play a very important role in regional affairs and expansion of cooperation in different areas.

“Iran has reached good agreements in various sectors, including energy, peaceful nuclear technologies, transportation and transit. We should step up our efforts to implement these agreements and develop collaborations more,” said Rouhani.

Iran’s president emphasized the importance of developing Iran-Russia cooperation, especially economic and trade ties, saying that Tehran welcomes the active participation of Russian investors and private sector in important infrastructural projects, including the industrial and energy-related ones, the development of railways, and the North-South corridor.

The Iranian president also underlined that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a multilateral agreement and its sustainability is very important for regional and international peace and stability. He also touched upon the role of Russia in consolidating the compliance of all parties with the nuclear deal.

Rouhani also referred to the role of Iran and Russia in the fight against terrorism in Syria, stressing that the cooperation between Tehran and Moscow has had a great impact on the process of fighting terrorism in the region, and these collaborations and consultations play a very significant role in the final stages of the campaign.

Referring to the Astana Process, Iran’s president said the multilateral, regional and international cooperation between Iran and Russia is of great significance in resolving the issues and crises.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that instability in the region is harmful to all countries, and will support the promotion of stability and security in the region. In the context of these collaborations, today it is clear to the world that security and peace in Syria must be restored through diplomacy.”

For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin first thanked the Islamic Republic for hosting the trilateral meeting, saying that Iran is a neighbour and a strategic partner of Russia, and Moscow has many common interests in developing relations and partnerships with Tehran.

Referring to the necessity of developing cooperation between Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan in the transportation, transit and north-south corridor projects, the Russian president said the trilateral meeting of the presidents of Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan could lead to the development of joint relations and collaborations in this sector.

Putin further added that relations and cooperation between Tehran and Moscow have been growing in various sectors, including energy, economy, peaceful nuclear activities and rail and road transport.

“Russian companies are interested in actively participating in Iran’s development projects, and there is no limit to the development of all-embracing relations with Iran. Russia welcomes the process,” added Putin.

The Russian president also noted that based on statistics, trade between the two countries, especially in 2016, has grown significantly, and this trend must continue and accelerate.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Putin described the JCPOA as a very good collective agreement in line with the global peace and stability.

“The non-compliance of some countries with their international obligations is by no means acceptable. We do believe that unilateral disruption of the deal will not be acceptable on any pretext. Moreover, the nuclear agreement has nothing to do with Iran’s defence and missile programs,” stressed Putin.

He also underpinned that the IAEA is the only reference for Iran’s adherence to the deal.

Finally, the Russian president referred to the process of fighting terrorism in Syria and emphasized that the role of Russia, Iran and Turkey should be supported within the framework of Astana Talks.