Iran, Russia to expand agricultural trade cooperation
Iran's Minister of Agriculture Gholamreza Noori Qezeljeh said the path of agricultural trade and exchanges between Iran and Russia, as well as the joint cooperation of economic actors, merchants, and the banking and financial sectors of the two countries, will expand.
In a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Oksana Lut on Wednesday, while reviewing economic developments and agricultural trade caused by the regional war, they discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and ensuring food security in the region, IRNA reported.
Noori Qezeljeh described the US and Israeli aggression against Iran as a clear violation of international law, adding that Iran, with the support of domestic production of essential goods and development of foreign trade with its northern neighbors, has protected the food security of its citizens.
Iran and the US agreed on Wednesday morning, after 40 days since the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran began on February 28, to stop the fighting for two weeks and start negotiations to end the war.
The Iranian minister of agriculture emphasized the need to strengthen trade and develop the transit of agricultural and livestock products between Iran and Russia during wartime, adding that veterinary and phytosanitary stations have been established between Iran and Russia to remove possible barriers to trade between the two countries. Referring to the development of relations under the comprehensive strategic agreement between Iran and Russia signed in January 2025 at the Kremlin by the presidents of the two countries, he said the process of importing mineral fertilizer from Russia to Iran has been facilitated for use by farmers and producers.
Russia, Iran's committed neighbor
Russian agriculture minister said in this telephone conversation, "Russia, as a committed neighbor and trading partner on this path, will provide whatever assistance is necessary and will stand alongside the Islamic Republic of Iran in ensuring food security."
Lut added that suitable cooperation has been formed between the private sector and merchants of the two countries, and with the support of their government, this process will develop further.