Putin praises ‘very close’ ties with Iran in first meeting with new president
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed admiration for the “very close” relationship between Russia and Iran during his initial encounter with newly-elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The two sanctioned leaders convened for their first meeting at a regional summit in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, touching on various subjects, including the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Putin emphasised the collaborative efforts in the international arena, stating that their assessments of global events often align closely. The meeting took place amidst the backdrop of Russia and Iran’s increasing military cooperation, with Moscow engaged in a conflict with Ukraine and Tehran supporting anti-Israel factions like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Recent arms transfers from Iran to Russia, including short-range ballistic missiles and drones, have fueled concerns over their joint military activities. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations, with Pezeshkian affirming the importance of accelerating ties between the two nations to counter Western sanctions.
As preparations are underway for the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan later this month, Putin extended an invitation for Pezeshkian to visit Russia officially, a proposition that the Iranian leader accepted. The discussions at the summit are expected to encompass various bilateral issues, with an emphasis on Middle East affairs.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of enhancing economic and cultural ties between Russia and Iran, aiming to solidify their partnership further. They expressed optimism about finalising a strategic partnership agreement, indicating the positive trajectory of their relations.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has lauded the meetings as a testament to the peak of Russia-Iran relations, signalling mutual cooperation and collaboration in various sectors. Overall, the meeting sets a positive tone for the future engagement between the two nations.