In an article published Tuesday in Russia’s Kommersant newspaper on the first day of his visit to Moscow, Araghchi described Tehran–Moscow relations as a mature and forward-looking strategic partnership rooted in history, geopolitics, and enduring national interests, saying the two countries are jointly moving toward a new, multipolar international order.

He wrote that relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation are “deep-rooted, multilayered, and based on a shared understanding of profound transformations in the international system,” adding that they are not shaped by short-term considerations but by “mutual trust and future-oriented thinking.”

He underscored Iran’s neighborliness diplomacy as a cornerstone of its foreign policy, noting President Masoud Pezeshkian’s emphasis on regional security and development through cooperation without interference by extra-regional actors.

Russia holds a “special place” in Iran’s foreign policy as a key Eurasian and Caspian neighbor and an influential global power, Araghchi added.

He traced the legal foundations of bilateral ties to the early 2000s treaty on mutual relations and cooperation, saying rapid regional and global shifts and mounting challenges from unilateralism and “illegal and inhumane sanctions” necessitated an upgraded framework.

The foreign minister cited the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty as a long-term roadmap covering political, economic, security, defense, energy, scientific, technological, cultural, tourism, and investment cooperation.

Highlighting cultural bonds, Araghchi pointed to shared literary heritage and quoted Saadi, “Human beings are members of a whole / In creation of one essence and soul,” calling it a foundation for cultural diplomacy and people-to-people ties.

Economic cooperation lags political relations but holds vast potential, particularly through the Eurasian Economic Union, the Caspian Sea, and the North–South Transport Corridor, he said.

The chief Iranian diplomat also stressed close coordination in multilateral forums such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, arguing that Iran and Russia, both targets of unilateral sanctions, share a commitment to “real, fair, and inclusive multilateralism” aimed at reducing sanctions’ impact and strengthening independent financial mechanisms.