TEHRAN: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Tehran on Tuesday for talks with senior Iranian officials aiming to boost bilateral ties and cooperation on global issues.
Iranian state media reported that Lavrov landed in the Iranian capital a day after holding talks with his Turkish counterpart in Ankara.
Russian media reported that the Russian foreign minister will discuss regional and bilateral issues with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, in Tehran.
“A special focus will be on further efforts to boost mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation with regard to the implementation of key joint projects in the fields of energy and transport,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said they would also discuss the latest developments in Syria and Yemen, as well as the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers.
The nuclear deal collapsed after Washington withdrew it during President Donald Trump’s first term in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. After his return to office this year, Trump reinstated his policy of “maximum pressure” against Iran.
The visit follows a trip by Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian to Moscow on January 17, where he met with President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders signed a comprehensive strategic agreement to further expand cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.
It also comes a day after the United States imposed a fresh round of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil industry.
As part of their strategic partnership, Iran and Russia have agreed to work together to mitigate the impacts of coercive economic measures by the US and its European allies.
Meanwhile Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in an interview with IRNA emphasised the importance of strong relations and partnership with Iran for Russia, adding that Russian officials are eager to assist in resolving significant issues, including the nuclear program.
He said that the cooperation between Iran and Russia is independent of the relations between the Kremlin and the White House.
When asked about Moscow’s stance on Iran’s nuclear programme, Peskov said that Russian authorities believe a diplomatic solution is possible if there is political will from all parties involved.
