Raisi ahead of Russia visit: This could be a turning point in relations

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said before his departure from Tehran Wednesday that his current visit to Moscow, "Given the political, economic and trade relations between the two countries in various fields, the visit can be a turning point for all our relations with Russia."

He added that Iran and Russia are considered two important and powerful countries, and the talks between the two countries will have an impact on ensuring the security of the region and strengthening regional economic and trade relations.

Raisi continued that Iran and Russia are both members of many economic and political organizations in the region, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He believes that Russia has an important role in these organizations, and it plays a pivotal role in the Eurasian Union. Therefore, he believes that cooperation with them would have an impact in promoting joint trade and economic steps.

He pointed out that the common interests between Iran and Russia "will prevent unilateralism in the world and create security in the region."

Raisi will hold a summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. The two presidents are scheduled to discuss "all issues of bilateral cooperation, including the implementation of joint projects in the trade and economic field, as well as urgent international and regional issues," the Kremlin said in a statement.

"This visit is very important in the current situation," the Iranian ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, said in an interview with Russia 24, adding while talking about the prospects for signing an agreement on military-technical cooperation during the visit, that "no documents will be signed."

He added that "there will be a meeting between the two presidents, and they will discuss various topics."

Raisi is also scheduled to meet with Russian and Iranian businessmen and will speak in the State Duma and at Moscow University. He will also visit the historic mosque and meet with the Religious Administration of Muslims in Russia.

This will be Raisi's first visit to Russia after he was elected president last August, and thus Moscow will be the first foreign capital he would visit officially as head of state. The Iranian president is also accompanied on his visit by the foreign, oil, and economy ministers.