Pezeshkian meets with Putin as Russia, Iran prepare to sign new treaty
6 Min Read
The agreement is being finalized just days before Donald Trump, known for his hardline stance on Iran, assumes office as US president.
-
Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian pose for a photo prior to their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Friday, January 17, 2025 (AP)
Relations between Moscow and Tehran hold strategic significance and are characterized by a comprehensive scope, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized on Friday.
"Relations with Russia are of strategic importance and comprehensive nature," Pezeshkian said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Pezeshkian arrived in Russia on Friday, landing at Moscow's Vnukovo-2 airport, according to a report by RIA Novosti.
Upon his arrival, the Iranian president was welcomed by Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, and Igor Bogdashev, head of the State Protocol Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Pezeshkian highlighted the progress in agreements regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant, expressing optimism that the agreements could be finalized on Friday.
The new comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Iran and Russia will serve as a catalyst for the enhancement of bilateral relations, Pezeshkian indicated.
"I am confident that this will give a great impetus to the development of bilateral relations and this will become a solid foundation for further movement forward," he said.
Pezeshkian further noted that he had spoken with the leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran Sayyed Ali Khamenei prior to his discussions with Putin, emphasizing the leader’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia.
The Iranian president stressed that the presence of external forces in the Middle East undermines regional stability, and regional issues should be resolved exclusively through agreements among its nations.
"Our supreme leader and we all look at it this way: all regional problems should be solved only through agreements between regional countries. The presence of extra-regional forces in our region can only aggravate and destabilize the situation," he said.
Russia, Iran continue to advance joint projects
On his part, Putin affirmed that Russia and Iran continue to advance joint projects, including in nuclear energy, while exploring additional opportunities in the energy sector.
"We are continuing our major projects, including the nuclear energy project. We have other possible projects in the energy sector. There are good prospects in the field of logistics," he said during talks with his Iranian counterpart.
Putin also described the current trajectory of trade and economic relations between the two nations as quite acceptable.
Consultations between Russia and Iran on international matters are highly relevant and in demand, the Russian leader said.
"Of course, our consultations on the international agenda are in great demand both in the world as a whole and, of course, in the region," he emphasized.
Putin highlighted that Pezeshkian's visit to Russia holds significant importance, as it coincides with the signing of a major strategic partnership agreement that will provide fresh impetus to all areas of bilateral collaboration.
Read more: Iran, Russia strengthen commitment to North-South Transport Corridor
Pezeshkian's visit to Russia is of historic significance
In a related context, the Iranian President also met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow, pointing out that Iran's cooperation with Russia within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) framework will give "a great impetus to the development of bilateral relations."
Mishustin underscored that Pezeshkian's visit to Russia has a "historical impact" as he and Putin will sign a treaty on a comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Iran.
The Russian premier pointed out that the treaty will lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of bilateral cooperation.
Agreement aims to bolster "military-political and trade-economic" ties
The agreement is being finalized just days before Donald Trump, known for his hardline stance on Iran, assumes office as US President.
Although the specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, the Kremlin has stated that it aims to bolster "military-political and trade-economic" relations between Tehran and Moscow.
Iran has similarly provided limited information about the treaty but has explicitly ruled out the inclusion of a mutual defense clause, such as the one featured in Moscow’s agreement with Pyongyang last year, according to Russian state media, citing Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The two nations have been negotiating this treaty for years. Currently, their relations are governed by a 2001 agreement that has been periodically renewed.
Russia has emphasized that its upcoming treaty with Iran, along with the previously signed agreement with the DPRK, is not targeted at any specific country.
"The treaty ... is constructive in nature and is aimed at strengthening the capabilities of Russia, Iran, and our friends in various parts of the world," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday.
The treaty is expected to have a 20-year validity period, according to Russia’s TASS news agency, which cited Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali.
Both Russia and Iran are subject to stringent Western sanctions, including measures targeting their critical energy sectors.
At last year’s BRICS summit in Kazan, Putin told Pezeshkian that he valued "truly friendly and constructive ties" between Russia and Iran.
Historical treaties between Russia and Iran:
The Treaty of Gulistan (1813)
This treaty concluded the Russo-Persian War of 1804–1813, resulting in Iran ceding significant territories, including modern-day Azerbaijan and the eastern regions of Georgia, to Russia. It marked the beginning of a transformative era in Russian-Iranian relations.
The Treaty of Turkmenchay (1828)
Signed at the end of the Russo-Persian War of 1826–1828, this treaty compelled Iran to cede the Khanates of Yerevan and Nakhchivan to Russia. It also granted Russia the right to establish a diplomatic and military presence in the region, further consolidating its influence.
The Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (1921)
This landmark agreement between Soviet Russia and Iran symbolized a new era of collaboration and non-aggression. It underscored mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, laying the groundwork for peaceful bilateral relations.
The Treaty of Guarantee and Neutrality (1927)
By signing this treaty, the Soviet Union and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peaceful relations and avoiding military confrontations, thereby strengthening their diplomatic ties.
The Trade and Navigation Treaty (1940)
This treaty reinforced economic cooperation between the two nations by establishing clear principles for bilateral trade and economic collaboration, particularly on the eve of World War II.
The Agreement on Border Settlement and Financial Issues (1954)
This agreement delineated a new state border in certain regions and resolved long-standing financial claims arising from the aftermath of World War II, fostering stability and mutual understanding between the parties.
