Putin Praises Ayatollah Khamenei's Role in Expansion of Iran-Russia Relations

During a meeting with Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Akbar Ahmadian in St. Petersburg on Thursday, Putin said the friendly bilateral relations of Russia and Iran have obtained an additional impetus in recent years.

"I have to point out that, in the last few years, the friendly Russian-Iranian relations have obtained additional dynamics," Putin added, stressing that all this happens to a significant degree due to the support of Ayatollah Khamenei.

The Russian president asked his interlocutor to relay his best wishes to the Iranian Supreme Leader.

Putin also said that he is expecting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Russia, including for the signing of a new treaty between the two countries.

"We appreciate that cooperation with Russia remains a priority for the team of the new president. We are expecting him in Kazan on October 22-24 for the BRICS Council," he told Ahmadian.

"I think we will find some time for a separate bilateral conversation," the Russian leader added.

According to the Russian president, within the framework of the visit, the two leaders "will sign a new large transnational treaty designated to bring Russian-Iranian relations to the level of strategic partnership".

"I think, we will talk and discuss this opportunity during our meeting in Kazan," the Russian head of state specified.

Putin also hailed a 10% increase in the trade turnover with Iran in the first six months of 2024.

Iran and Russia have signed a 10-year cooperation deal that was lengthened to 20 years through two five-year extensions. The major agreement is expected to elevate relations between Tehran and Moscow to a new level.

The two sides have sought to develop bilateral strategic cooperation, which may determine their relations for the next 20 years.

Recently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Moscow will finalize the comprehensive interstate agreement with Tehran "in the very near future."

He added the two countries "will conclude a new interstate comprehensive partnership agreement".

The diplomat noted his country and Iran are developing ties rapidly and have already implemented "a large number of bilateral projects”.

Ahmadian, for his part, conveyed greetings from Ayatollah Khamenei and President Pezeshkian.

He stressed that there were no changes in the approaches regarding the development of relations with Russia under the new Iranian administration.