MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where the two leaders will hold talks during a forum commemorating the 300th anniversary of renowned Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy.
The meeting, confirmed by Putin’s foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov, is expected to address significant bilateral issues and the escalating situation in the Middle East.
Ushakov emphasized the importance of the upcoming talks, stating, “This meeting has great significance both for discussing bilateral issues as well as, of course, discussing the sharply escalated situation in the Middle East.”
This diplomatic engagement is taking place after Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s recent visit to Iran, where he held talks with President Pezeshkian and First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.
Russia’s relationship with Iran has grown increasingly close, particularly as Western nations have accused Tehran of providing drones and missiles to Moscow—allegations that Tehran has consistently denied.
Following the Ashgabat meeting, Pezeshkian is also expected to travel to Russia later this month to participate in a BRICS summit of emerging economies.
