Putin, Raisi discuss boosting bilateral relations, stabilizing Syria

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Jan 2023 19:11
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The two heads of states have expressed their intention to stabilize the situation in Syria and restore the country's territorial sovereignty.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and his Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s summit in the Uzbek city of Samarkand on September 15 (Alexandr Demyanchuk, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on Wednesday to discuss several important projects that are intended to strengthen bilateral relations and simultaneously benefit both countries' national interests, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi. Topical issues of the Russian-Iranian agenda were discussed with an emphasis on further strengthening of the entire range of bilateral cooperation," the statement said.

Both heads of state emphasized the necessity of implementing mutually beneficial projects in the energy and transport sector.

They have agreed to hold multiple official meetings in the near future.

They have also expressed their intention to stabilize the situation in Syria and restore the country's territorial sovereignty.

"When discussing international issues, both sides gave a positive assessment of the close coordination established within the framework of the Astana process, which plays a key role in the settlement of the Syrian crisis. The intention was expressed to continue cooperation in order to normalize the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic and restore its territorial integrity," the Kremlin statement said.

Most recent updates reveal that Iran is set to acquire 24 Su-35 fighters from Russia in the near future.

Some of the aircraft Russia is giving Iran will be used by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF)'s Tactical Air Base in Isfahan.

The National Interest described the deal as "manifesting a grim calculus for the West" as it would give an unprecedented boost to Tehran's control over its airspace, especially in case of an aerial military confrontation against the Israeli occupation.

On December 17, CIA Director William Burns said that the US is concerned about the growing cooperation between Russia and Iran and fears that it could eventually evolve into a full defense partnership.

"Quite worried," said the CIA director in response to a question about how worried is Washington about the Russian-Iranian relationship, adding that "what's beginning to emerge is at least the beginnings of a full-fledged defense partnership between Russia and Iran."

In a related context, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly claimed that "sordid deals" between Russia and Iran are threatening global security.

In a press release published on the website of the UK government, Cleverly accused Iran of providing Russia with hundreds of drones to use in Ukraine, adding that Tehran "is now one of Russia’s top military backers."

He also claimed that Russia is offering military and technical support to the Iranian government, which will "increase the risk it poses to our partners in the Middle East and to international security."

"The UK will continue to expose this desperate alliance and hold both countries to account," Cleverly said.