Noting that a fundamental agreement was reached during the visit to expand comprehensive, stable, and beneficial relations between the two countries, Raisi said: “Undoubtedly, the development of relations with Russia will contribute to the security and welfare of the two nations.”

“During this trip, we also discussed the issue of money and banking between the two countries,” Raisi noted.

Raisi continued: “Our Minister of Petroleum also had good agreements with Russian energy officials in the field of development of oil and gas fields.”

Ayatollah Raisi also added: “In the field of trade, it was agreed to remove trade barriers and to boost trade between the two countries. Currently, the level of trade between the two countries is not acceptable, so the two countries agreed to increase trade to $10 billion a year in the first step”.

“The two countries also agreed to identify the agricultural potential as well as the appropriate areas for the exchange of agricultural goods between the two sides in order to increase the exchange of agricultural goods.”

Raisi further stated that Iran has very good capacities in the field of transit and transportation, adding: “During this trip, it was agreed to activate the north-south corridor.”

“During this visit, good talks were also held on the expansion of defense, aerospace and space cooperation, and it was decided that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Petroleum, as the head of the Iranian side of the Joint Economic Commission, will implement the agreements reached between the two countries”.

Raisi went on to say: “In the field of foreign policy, the first point that was raised in the talks was the issue of common positions and perceptions that exist between foreign developments between the two countries. This common understanding will expand cooperation between the two countries”.

“There is no doubt that cooperation between Iran and Russia can help resolve regional crises and international issues and promote security, stability, peace, and justice,” he said.

“For example, the experience of good cooperation between Iran and Russia in the fight against terrorism and maintaining security in Syria can be repeated in other areas, including the Caucasus region and other areas agreed upon by both sides,” said Raisi.

Raisi pointed out: “Today, the presence of Islamic Iran in the region as an independent and powerful country is a security-building presence, and neighboring countries witnessed that wherever Iran was present, contrary to the presence and interference of foreigners who created a security problem for the region, it has created security”.

He expressed hope that the issues raised during his three-hour meeting with the Russian President would be operationalized as soon as possible. (ILKHA)