Iran-Europe ties independent of Iran-Russia ties
The bilateral agreement between Iran and Russia indicates a strategic and long-term approach, pointing out that relations between the two countries are on a strategic path. This also shows a high level of trust between the two countries, as a strategic agreement typically covers various fields, including security, defense, and intelligence, and is long-term.
By Mohsen Pakaein
Iran’s ex-envoy to Azerbaijan
The comprehensive strategic agreement between Iran and Russia is a 20-year cooperation plan consisting of 47 articles and outlines various projects in fields such as trade, transit, energy, agriculture, tourism, as well as security, defense, and cultural issues. After the agreement is signed, it will be sent to the parliaments of both countries for approval, and once approved, it will be turned into a bill and sent to the Iranian Parliament by the Pezeshkian government. The Parliament will then discuss and provide feedback on the articles, and after the Guardian Council’s approval, the implementation process will begin. Each Iranian ministry responsible for a particular task under the agreement will work with its counterpart in Russia to carry out the agreement.
This agreement is highly important for several reasons, one of which is its strategic outlook on relations. Sometimes Iran’s relations with other countries are short-term, and agreements need to be renewed after a while. However, this agreement is different.
It is also worth noting that the nature of this agreement is mostly economic. This shows that the two countries, which are currently facing unfair sanctions, are determined to make their economies resilient and are seeking strategic cooperation to achieve this goal, which is a positive point for the economies of both countries.
Regarding the impact of developments in West Asia, particularly in Syria, on the signing of this agreement and the continuation of defense and security cooperation between Iran and Russia, it should be stated that the defense and security fields are very broad and not limited to one country or region. The developments in Syria were rapid and unpredictable, even for countries like Turkey, which were involved in designing the situation. However, Iran and Russia have been acting in harmony in West Asia, making decisions based on their interests, and there have been no particular issues between them in this regard. Therefore, the recent developments in Syria will not hinder the formation of military, defense, and security cooperation between Iran and Russia.
Iran’s relations with Europe are independent of its relations with Russia, and there is no obstacle to holding negotiations with Europe to secure Iran’s interests. Iran will continue its relations with Russia and China while also negotiating with Europe, and these two issues are separate. Just as Iran has established close, friendly, and strategic relations with Russia and China, if Europe sets aside its negative approaches towards Iran, Iran can also have close relations and constructive dialogue with Europe. Therefore, Iran’s relations with Russia should be defined independently of its relations with Europe.
The article first appeared in Farsi on ILNA.