Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian have signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement in Moscow on Friday, according to the Kremlin.
The two leaders have said that the landmark document, which covers areas ranging from defense and energy cooperation to culture and science, provides a new impetus to the country's bilateral ties.
The agreement replaces the previous deal on cooperation between Moscow and Tehran that was signed back in 2001. Work on the new agreement had been underway since 2022, and was reportedly approved by both sides in June last year.
Putin has had two meetings with Pezeshkian, since the Iranian president was sworn into office last summer, the most recent being at the BRICS summit in Kazan in late October.
This live stream has ended.
17 January 2025
Russia and Iran are pursuing an independent course on the world stage, resisting external pressure and the practice of imposing illegitimate, politically motivated sanctions, according to Putin.
“Our countries firmly uphold the principles of the supremacy of international law, the sovereignty of states, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries,” the Russian president said.
During the meeting with Putin, the Iranian leader expressed hope that the ceasefire in Gaza would be implemented.
Talks between the two countries’ leaders and the agreements reached provide an impetus for building a multipolar world, according to Pezeshkian.
“And, of course, this concerns, first of all, the development of Iran and Russia,” he said.
Russia and Iran are coordinating their efforts in the international arena on the most pressing issues, including the Middle East, and the situation in the South Caucasus region, according to Putin.
Trade and economic cooperation between the two countries is growing, Putin has said, noting they are also significant partners in finance and investment.
“Over the [first] ten months of last year, trade turnover increased by 15.5%,” he said, adding that Moscow and Tehran have almost completely switched to national currencies for mutual settlements.
Russia is keeping Iran informed about the situation in Ukraine, according to Putin.
Iran supports the resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Pezeshkian has said.
The two leaders have agreed on the importance of refraining from actions similar to Israel’s airstrikes in Lebanon and Syria.
Energy is the most important area of bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, the Russian leader has said during his meeting with his Iranian counterpart, adding that the flagship joint project, to build two new units of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, by Russia’s Rosatom, is advancing well.
The NPP will make a significant contribution to strengthening Iran’s energy security, stimulate further growth of the national economy, and provide Iranian households and industrial enterprises with inexpensive and environmentally friendly electricity, he added.
The landmark Moscow-Tehran agreement is aimed at creating conditions for the two countries’ stable development, according to President Putin.