Pezeshkian: Iran seeks cooperation with regional states to offset US pressure
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government is seeking to expand cooperation with regional countries to offset the US pressure on regional countries as he began a three-day visit to Tajikistan and Russia.
Pezeshkian arrived in Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, on Wednesday and was warmly welcomed at the airport by his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon.
Before leaving Tehran for Dushanbe, Pezeshkian said his visit to Tajikistan is in line with his government’s policies in expanding relations with neighboring countries.
The president said his visit is aimed at expanding cooperation with Tajikistan in the fields of agriculture, industry, trade, and transportation.
Pezeshkian is expected to sign agreements with his Tajik counterpart in the fields.
At the invitation of Rahmon, the trip is Pezeshkian’s first visit to the Eurasian region since he took office in July.
The Iranian president will then travel to Russia to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in the capital Moscow where they are set to sign a long-term strategic cooperation agreement on Friday.
“During the visit to Russia, a comprehensive document on strategic cooperation between the two countries will be signed, which includes enhancing cooperation in economy, science, industry, agriculture, culture, and security,” Pezeshkian said.
He said that Iran plans to sign similar long-term agreements with other regional countries like Iraq.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is accompanying the president during his visits, said strengthening cooperation in the security field is one of the important aspects of the 20-year comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.
Araghchi said Iran and Russia have valuable experiences in fighting terrorism and extremism. The comprehensive agreement between Iran and Russia is not only in the interests of the two countries, but also in the interest of world peace.
Back 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.
The Russian Federation has signed similar agreements with the likes of China, Belarus, India and a host of former Soviet Union countries.
Iran has also signed a long-gestating 25-year cooperation accord with China as both countries remain under Unites States sanctions.