Russia expects EAEU, Iran to ink FTA by end of 2023

"New opportunities for expanding trade-economic cooperation will open up with the conclusion of a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Iran. Negotiations on the project have been completed. We expect to sign the agreement by the end of this year," Mishustin said, according to Interfax.

Iran has been an important partner for Russia for decades, and the two countries are linked by relations of friendship, neighborliness, and partnership based on principles of mutual respect and unconditional consideration of each other's interests, Mishustin said. "Amid the unlawful sanctions declared against Russia and Iran, we attach special significance to stronger trade-economic cooperation," he said.

The Russia-Iran bilateral trade volume in 2022 set a record by exceeding 350 billion rubles, he said.

"We are interested in expanding investment cooperation, and we have good opportunities for broadening major joint projects in the energy, industry, agriculture, and high technology sectors," he said.

Mishustin proposed instructing the Russian-Iranian standing commission for trade-economic cooperation to consider particular projects at its next session to take place in Tehran in December.

The two countries pay special attention to transport cooperation, Mishustin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi launched the construction of a railroad between Rasht and Astara as part of the North-South international transport corridor with Russia's financial contribution, and the governments are committed to providing comfortable conditions for Russian and Iranian companies on their markets, Mishustin said.

He also mentioned a visit to Iran by a business mission under the aegis of the Russian Export Center in September. The mission included representatives of companies interested in launching joint projects in the agribusiness, medicine, and IT sectors.

Speaking of cooperation in the tourism industry, Mishustin pointed out that Russia and Iran have switched to visa-free travel for tourist groups from August 1. "Our tourists began first introductory trips in September. Iran has been included in the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for a single electronic visa. It is valid for business and tourist trips and for participating in scientific, cultural, and sports events. I am sure that these measures will facilitate our mutual tourist exchanges," he said.

MNA