Iran’s President Ebrahim Raeisi (R) meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) in Moscow on January 19, 2022. (Photo by president.ir)

Meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow during his first visit to Russia as Iranian president, Ebrahim Raeisi says there is no hindrance lying in the way of improvement of relations between the Islamic Republic and the Russian Federation.

We have no limitation for expansion and development of ties with Russia and are after establishment of strategic relations with Moscow, the Iranian president said during the meeting on Wednesday.

Raeisi is in the Russian capital for a state visit at the invitation of the Russian chief executive.

The Islamic Republic has already signed a strategic partnership treaty with China that has outlined the roadmap for the Sino-Iranian ties for a 20-year-long term. And, right ahead of Raeisi’s visit to the Russian capital, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that the new administration in Tehran followed a new road map to deepen ties with Moscow, adding that Iran and Russia were determined to update a 20-year cooperation treaty that they signed in 2001.

Adding to his remarks, Raeisi said, Documents of strategic cooperation can outline the horizon of the countries’ relations over 20 years. We are after increasing the volume of commercial ties with Russia and will expend much effort in this area, he noted.

Raeisi hailed the countries’ anti-terror efforts in support of Syria as good common experience that can serve as a basis for the Russo-Iranian relations.

‘Sanctions can’t come in the way of Iran’s progress’

The Iranian president, meanwhile, said Tehran was in the midst of efforts aimed at removing the United States’ illegal and unilateral sanctions against the country.

We have been confronting the US for more than 40 years. We hope that these efforts would lead to removal of the sanctions, he said, adding, however, that the threat of sanctions cannot come in the way of Iran’s progress.

Iran is after enhancing its diplomatic ties with its neighbors, including Russia, Raeisi said, noting that his visit would feature conclusion of some agreements that would contribute to the development of relations between Tehran and Moscow.

He also communicated Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei’s regards to the Russian head of state, adding that the Leader lays emphasis on reinforcement of relations with Russia.

Putin, for his part, expressed delight to meet his Iranian counterpart, hailing that the two sides have been in constant communication since Raeisi’s inauguration last year.

He acknowledged Tehran and Moscow’s contribution to Syria’s transition past the terrorist threats.

The countries’ trade relations followed a positive trend last year, despite the coronavirus pandemic, Putin said.

The Russian head of state further noted how the countries’ officials have been paying especial attention to the situation in Afghanistan.

I am inclined for these important issues to be subjected to consultation and to know about your Excellency’s opinion in these areas he told Raeisi, according to Fars news agency.

The Russian official, meanwhile, communicated his regards to Ayatollah Khamenei.

Communicate my regards and wishes of good health to Ayatollah Khamenei, Putin said.

Iran FM hails ‘new chapter’ in Russo-Iranian ties

Amir-Abdollahian, who is accompanying Raeisi during the visit, meanwhile, wrote a tweet, announcing that the Iranian and Russian presidents had agreed during the important, cordial, and extended meeting on devising of a long-term roadmap for the bilateral relations.

The relations have entered a new, manifold, and accelerated path, the top diplomat said, noting that the new chapter of the relations would feature premium cooperation between the two sides.