Nournews: Masoud Pezeshkian and Vladimir Putin, the Presidents of Iran and Russia, signed the Comprehensive Strategic Joint Treaty between the two countries in a ceremony held at the Kremlin Palace on the afternoon of Friday, January 17, 2025.

This treaty, consisting of a preamble and 47 articles, was signed by Pezeshkian and Putin during the official visit of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Moscow. According to the Presidents of both countries, this document represents a breakthrough in cooperation, particularly in the economic relations between Tehran and Moscow.

In this ceremony, held at the conclusion of the high-level negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation, chaired by the Presidents of the two countries, Tehran and Moscow reaffirmed their determination to expand bilateral cooperation within the framework of the new document.

Previously, the duration of this treaty, which will be implemented after approval by the parliaments of both countries, was stated to be 20 years.

This treaty, the result of nearly three years of negotiations and exchanges between officials from Tehran and Moscow, covers all aspects of cooperation between the two countries. It places special emphasis on three main areas: economic cooperation, scientific and technological collaboration, and cultural and tourism partnerships.

This treaty is essentially an updated version of the document titled "Agreement on the Foundations of Mutual Relations and Principles of Cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation," which Tehran and Moscow signed in the late 1990s. The document became binding for both parties in 2002 and, after its 20-year term, was extended for an additional five years.

What prompted Tehran and Moscow officials to prioritize the signing of this treaty was the realization that the previous agreement could no longer accommodate the expanding scope of bilateral relations in various dimensions. Consequently, Iran and Russia, which share common and aligned perspectives on many international and regional issues, including countering U.S. hegemony, outlined a roadmap for their cooperation across multiple levels and dimensions.

Details of the Comprehensive Strategic Joint Treaty between Iran and Russia.

According to diplomatic sources, this document covers all aspects of bilateral relations, including political relations, how our perspectives align within the power structure, and how we should proceed. It also addresses how we should act in international forums, extending to the economic sector and how provincial collaborations, project implementation, and cooperation in bilateral and multilateral frameworks should be conducted.

According to these reports, given that Iran and Russia possess energy resources, cooperation between the two countries in the fields of international trade and energy has also been included in this treaty.

Cooperation in the fields of technology, especially new technologies, information and cybersecurity, peaceful nuclear energy, defense and military matters, combating terrorism, environmental issues, and the Caspian Sea, as well as countering money laundering and organized crime, are some of the other provisions of this agreement.

Accordingly, Article 3 of this treaty includes the subject of respect for territorial integrity.

Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for the Kremlin, said: "The Comprehensive Joint Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran fulfills the desires of the people of these two friendly and neighboring countries and elevates their relations to the level of strategic partnership."

Fatemeh Mohajerani, the spokeswoman for the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, also expressed hope in an interview that, in addition to the signing of this comprehensive document, the cooperation between the two countries in the North-South Corridor and the project of transferring Russian gas to Iran would progress at a satisfactory pace.

Iran and Russia Discussed the Removal of Obstacles

After the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Joint Treaty between Iran and Russia, Pezeshkian stated: "The Russian Federation holds a prominent position in Iran's neighborhood. In today's negotiations, the development and expansion of the two countries' economic and commercial cooperation were discussed. Existing obstacles to the implementation of agreements and potential solutions were reviewed."

Pezeshkian noted: "A review of bilateral cooperation took place, and positive discussions were held regarding regional and international collaborations. The comprehensive cooperation document signed today will open a new chapter between Iran and Russia in all fields, especially economic cooperation. This document can pave the way for the continuous development of Iran-Russia cooperation and outline bright horizons for both sides."

Iran-Russia Cooperation Foils the West's Plans

Masoud Pezeshkian, on Friday afternoon local time, during a meeting with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow, added: "This is the perspective of the Supreme Leader and his recommendation that the region should be managed and governed by the regional countries themselves. There is no need for others from across the world to come, disrupt the region, and impose their own policies."

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasized: "Certainly, the communications and cooperation between Iran and Russia will foil their plans."

Pezeshkian, conveying the special greetings of the Supreme Leader to the President of Russia, emphasized the deepening and strengthening of Tehran-Moscow relations and said: "Fortunately, relations between Iran and Russia, both regionally and bilaterally, are improving and advancing firmly in all areas."

The President, recalling the Comprehensive Strategic Joint Treaty between the two countries, said: "With the signing of this treaty, we can strengthen bilateral relations in all areas, including security, culture, and trade."

Pezeshkian added: "We have removed all obstacles for the implementation and operationalization of this treaty and are determined to execute all of them."

The President of Russia also emphasized in this meeting: "The Comprehensive Strategic Joint Treaty between our country and the Islamic Republic of Iran will help expand bilateral economic cooperation and will provide us with the opportunity to diversify relations in all dimensions."

In another part of his speech, Putin stated that the pace of increasing trade exchanges between the two countries is, in his view, acceptable, and he recalled: "In the first 10 months of 2024, we witnessed a growth of over 15% in bilateral exchanges."

The President of Russia further stated: "I wish the best for the Supreme Leader of Iran. What is being carried out in the relations between Iran and Russia is happening under his considerations and supervision."

In another part of his speech, Putin referred to the joint projects between the two countries and mentioned the development of nuclear power plants, the energy sector, and the increase in transportation connections and infrastructure as examples of this cooperation.

He expressed satisfaction with the development of humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Iran, stating: "Tourism and trade exchanges have increased and have risen by 21%."