Putin hosts Raisi for talks on trade
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi met his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Moscow on Thursday to discuss trade and economic sectors.
During a five-hour meeting, they addressed bilateral relations, including banking and monetary affairs, transit, railways, power plant cooperation, agriculture, energy, scientific collaboration, university partnerships, technology, tourism, and industry. The ongoing situation in Gaza was also a significant topic, president.ir reported.
Both heads of state emphasized regional and international collaboration.
Raisi highlighted the strong relations between the two countries, expressing that there is definitely room for further development.
Putin also touched on growing trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, saying under the current plan, signing of a free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) mission is on Russia’s agenda.
He cited transportation and energy, noting signed contracts for railway construction and oil and gas field development.
“We also have good relations in the field of education, as Iranian and Russian students study in each other’s universities, and we actively work in all fields to move forward,” added Putin.
Following the bilateral meeting, a joint meeting of high-ranking economic and political delegations took place in the presence of the presidents. During this joint session, discussions and exchanges of views on mutual interests occurred.
The two countries also have closer military relations. Last month, Iran finalized arrangements for the delivery of Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and helicopters, along with jet trainers.
Plans for these aircraft to join the combat units of the Iranian Armed Forces were confirmed by Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Mahdi Farahi.
In the Thursday meeting, President Raisi called for an immediate stop to Israeli “genocide and crimes against humanity” in the besieged Gaza Strip, Press TV reported.
“Gaza is a land where a child is martyred every ten minutes, so it is necessary to stop these bombings as soon as possible and find a quick and immediate solution,” he said, adding, “What is happening in Palestine is a genocide and a crime against humanity”.
“The Zionist regime’s crime in Gaza is supported by the US and Western countries, and it is unfortunate that international organizations claiming to advocate human rights have lost their effectiveness,” he added.
“What is afflicting humanity today is unilateralism and the unjust global system, and its manifestation can be seen in Gaza,” Raisi said.