Cooperation in BRICS, SCO gives momentum to Iran-Russia ties: Veep
First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said on Monday that Iran-Russia cooperation through international organizations such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) could give “greater momentum” to relations between Tehran and Moscow.
Aref made the remarks during a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow.
Heading a high-level Iranian delegation, the senior official arrived in the Russian capital on Monday to take part in the 24th meeting of SCO prime ministers and hold talks with other participants on the sidelines of the event.
The organization comprises Iran, Russia, Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Referring to the membership and cooperation of Tehran and Moscow in regional and international organizations such as BRICS, the SCO, and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), Aref said, “These organizations possess extraordinary capacities, and cooperation between the two countries within this framework can give greater momentum to bilateral relations.”
He pointed to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed between the two countries, saying that, “This document serves as a guide for advancing bilateral relations to the highest level.”
Back in January, Iranian and Russian presidents signed the long-awaited strategic partnership agreement to further expand cooperation.
The 20-year agreement covers economic, transportation, energy, health, tourism and agricultural areas, in addition to Tehran-Moscow cooperation to deal with common challenges, reduce the consequences of natural disasters, combat organized crimes, fight terrorism, and make joint investments.
Aref also called for the removal of barriers facing the implementation of the agreements reached between the two sides during the Joint Economic Commission earlier this year.
The Russian official, for his part, said that Moscow seeks to strengthen relations with Tehran based on principles of good neighborliness.
Referring to the Free Trade Agreement between Iran and the EEU, he said the implementation of the deal created opportunities to expand trade.
Mishustin further described the North–South Transport Corridor as a strategic route for the Eurasia region.