Ahead of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stated that his two-day visit to Moscow could mark a “turning point” in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Iranian president described Iran and Russia as strong, independent and influential nations in the region who could boost their security and trade by maintaining close dialogue, prior to departing for the Russian capital on Wednesday.
Raisi said in a quip to the United States, which has imposed different levels of sanctions against both countries, that his country has common interests with Russia and that their collaboration and common interests could create security and combat unilateralism in the region.
According to Raisi, political, economic, energy, trade, and space issues will be among the topics discussed in Moscow.
Both countries have been working to sign a new and improved long-term bilateral cooperation agreement, though this agreement is not expected to be finalized during Raisi’s visit.
Raisi is stated to be accompanied by Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Economy Minister Ehsan Khandoozi, and Petroleum Minister Javad Owji.
On Thursday, Raisi will address Russia’s lower house of parliament, the Duma, in what is the first visit to Russia by an Iranian president since 2017.
Raisi is also scheduled to meet with a number of Iranians living in Russia and hold a session with Russian businesspeople.
