Iran-Russia treaty to cement economies, defense capabilities: Lavrov
Russia’s foreign minister said a long-term cooperation agreement, which is set be signed between Tehran and Moscow on Friday, aims to strengthen both countries’ economies, solving social issues, and ensuring their defense capabilities.
Sergey Lavrov told a news conference on Tuesday that the strategic partnership treaty will not be aimed against any country.
“This question is usually asked by our Western colleagues because they always want to find some topic in any issue to show that Russia, Iran, China, or North Korea are constantly preparing something against someone. However, this document, like the agreement with North Korea, is not directed against any country and is constructive in nature.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will meet in Moscow on Friday to sign the long-awaited strategic partnership agreement.
“On January 17, Vladimir Putin will hold talks with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, who will come to Moscow on an official visit,” the Kremlin said in a statement on Monday.
“Following the talks, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian will sign the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran,” the statement added.
The two leaders will discuss expanding cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, including in “trade, investment, transport, logistics, humanitarian sphere, and current issues on the regional and international agenda,” the statement said.
‘Important event’
Meanwhile, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov underscored the importance of the agreement, saying, “It is a very important event for us.”
Iran’s ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali also said the cooperation agreement will shape relations between the countries for twenty years.
“After the agreement is signed, it must be ratified by Iran’s Parliament. Once ratified by the Parliament, it will be in effect for 20 years,” he said on Iranian state television.
The ambassador did not say whether the treaty could be extended automatically.
‘Balanced’ treaty
Jalali also described the long-awaited historic agreement between Tehran and Moscow as “balanced.”
The Russian Federation has signed similar agreements with the likes of China, Belarus, India and a host of former Soviet Union countries.
In 2001, Tehran and Moscow signed a long-term cooperation deal, officially known as the Treaty of the Foundation of Mutual Relations and the Principles of Cooperation. It was initially set for 10 years but was extended up until 2026.
Iran and Russia are both subject to illegal Western sanctions. They have over the past years deepened their cooperation in various fields.
Iran has also signed a long-gestating 25-year cooperation accord with China as both countries remain under Unites States sanctions.