Vladimir Putin, who arrived in Tehran on Wednesday afternoon to attend the trilateral meeting of presidents of Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan, met with Iranian Presient Hassan Rouhani.
This is the 10th meeting of the two presidents.
“The trilateral relations of Tehran, Moscow, and Baku have a significant effect on regional relations and expansion of cooperation in different areas,” said President Rouhani.
Touching upon the good ties between Tehran and Moscow, Mr. Rouhani added “good agreements have been made between Iran and Russia in areas of energy, peaceful nuclear technology, and transportation and transit, but more efforts are needed to put these agreements into practice and witness a growing trend of bilateral cooperation.
“Tehran welcomes the participation of Russian investors and private sector in joining and cooperating in big infrastructural projects of Iran in sections of industry and energy, expansion of rail networks, and the North-South Transit Corridor,” highlighted President Rouhani after underlining the necessity of expansion of cooperation, trade, and economic relations between Iran and Russia.
“The role of Russia in bolstering and persevering the JCPOA is of prime importance as it is significant and influential in compliance of all parties to their commitments,” said the Iranian head of state after highlighting that the JCPOA (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed in July 14, 2015 by Iran, 5+1 countries, and EU) is multilateral agreement important for protecting peace, security, and stability in the region and the world.
“Cooperation of Iran and Russia has been of great influence in the war against terrorism in the region,” stated the Iranian top administrator after hailing the contributions of Iran and Russia in fighting terrorism in Syria. He stressed that cooperation and exchange of views is still of importance at the closing stages of the war on terror in Syria.
“Cooperation of Iran and Russia, at multilateral, regional, and international venues, is very contributive in resolving issues and crises,” opined Mr. Rouhani pointing to Astana talks for political settlement of Syrian crisis.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran holds that any instability in the region is harmful for all countries of the region and thus supports the spread of stability and security in the region,” added the Iranian president.
“These efforts have proved to the world that political settlement, security, and serenity have to be reinforced in Syria,” he said.
The two presidents commented on bilateral relations between Iran and Russia and described the trend as positive, growing, and in development.
The Russian President Putin, in this meeting, for his part, extended gratitude for Iran’s invitation and hosting of the trilateral meeting of presidents of Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan.
“Iran is the strategic partner of Russia in developing bilateral relations and cooperation which is of many mutual interests for both sides,” reiterated the Russian head of state.
“The trilateral meeting of presidents of Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan can play a bold role in developing relations and cooperation over the section of transportation and transit, especially the North-South Transit Corridor,” stated President Putin.
He described the bilateral cooperation of Iran and Russia in areas of energy, economy, peaceful nuclear technology, and rail and road transit, as developing and voiced the readiness of Russia companies for joining project in Iran. “Russia bears nor limit in developing ties with Iran in all-out areas and welcomes the growing trend of cooperation,” highlighted the Russian president.
“According to statistics and indexes, trade transactions between the two countries witnessed a jumping growth especially in 2016, and this trend should be continued and accelerated,” he said.
Mr. Putin then touched upon the nuclear agreement between Iran and 5+1 group of countries and described it as a good pact resulted from group work endeavors and in line with expansion of peace and stability in the region.
“Evading the responsibilities outlined in international agreements is in no way acceptable and we told that unilateral violation of the JCPOA with any excuse is not justifiable,” Mr. Putin delineated. “Also, the JCPOA has nothing to do with Iran’s defensive or missile program,” underlined the Russian top official.
He announced in an affirming tone that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the sole international body responsible and tasked to verify Iran’s abidance by the agreement.
Pointing to Astana talks, Mr. Putin called for the continuation of contributions of Iran, Russia, and Turkey to put an end to crisis in Syria and eliminate terrorism in the war torn Arab country.
According to official announcements, the three presidents of Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan will share the same table late on Wednesday to hold the second edition of trilateral meetings of the three presidents. The first round of trilateral meetings was held in Baku back in August.
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