Russian President Vladimir Putin met today at the Kremlin with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, to sign the far-reaching and long-negotiated Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between the two countries that will remain in effect for 20 years. Concluded after 20-30 rounds of talks over a period of 4-5 years, the agreement will, in Putin’s words, bring their bilateral relationship to “a new level.” The friendly and cooperative environment in which today’s meeting took place was “a hallmark of the talks Russia prioritizes in strengthening ties with Iran,” RT commented.
President Pezeshkian conveyed to Putin special greetings from Supreme Leader Ali Khameini, who communicated how important it is for Iran to work closely with Russia. This new agreement replaces the original one signed in 2002 and is an exhaustive presentation of every aspect of their bilateral relationship, dealing with important issues in the international arena, as well as in such areas as energy, defense, industrial development, trade and investment, technology transfer, science and engineering and economic cooperation. A key feature of the latter is the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which offers opportunities for “opening up great prospects,” Putin said, Sputnik Globe reported.
