Putin to Meet with Iranian President Following Phone Conversation

Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi next week in Moscow, reports Rossiya 1 television channel.

During their phone conversation, Putin and Raisi discussed the drafting of a new document on long-term cooperation, the implementation of joint large-scale investment projects, collaboration in combating the coronavirus pandemic, as well as negotiations regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) related to Iran's nuclear program.

Russia is a strategic ally of Iran. The two countries engage in extensive trade, economic, military, and political cooperation. Moscow has been involved in the construction of Iran's nuclear power plant in Bushehr for several years. The sides also conduct joint military exercises. Russia has sent batches of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 to Iran.

In mid-September, member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) approved Tehran's application for membership. Many experts believe this will enhance Iran’s regional standing and expand cooperation with SCO countries, including Russia.