Vladimir Putin received Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in the Kremlin. Bilateral relations regarding everything were discussed. The presidents signed documents on cooperation in energy, communication, and technology. Agreements were reached in the field of hydrocarbon extraction. Of course, subjects such as the fight against terrorism and the Syrian crisis, in the resolution of which Russia and Iran are now playing the most important roles, were a separate matter. Denis Davydov will tell about the statements made in Moscow.

The president of Iran spent two days in Russia. In addition to official meetings, he visited the Moscow State University, and laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later, negotiations, which lasted for many hours, began in the Kremlin. Members of the Iranian delegation took many photos of each other against the background of the presidents.

Hassan Rouhani's visit to Moscow brings the centuries-old relations of the two countries to a new level. The presidents signed an impressive stack of documents, agreements on cooperation in various fields, from sports to energy. State loans amounting in 2.2 billion euros were allotted to finance the construction of the Sirik thermal power station on the Persian Gulf shore, and the electrification of railways in the north of Iran. We see good potential for expanding cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

Leading Russian companies have achieved a number of important agreements in the development of large hydrocarbon deposits in Iran. Iran is a huge market. Its population is 80 million people. It has only been a year since the sanctions against the country were lifted, and Tehran is ready to buy. Iran is interested in Russian weapons and high-tech solutions.

The country intends to renew its fleet of civilian jets, and that's almost 600 planes. They look closely at the Sukhoi Superjet 100, and our helicopters for air medical service. The traditional list of supplies from Russia to Iran includes cars, metals, and in the opposite direction — foodstuffs. Last year’s turnover was more than two billion dollars. Iran is our good neighbor, and a reliable, and stable partner. It’s enough to say that last year's trade turnover between our countries increased by 70%. This is a unique phenomenon in the current difficult economic conditions.

However, the here and now is somewhat different in Iran. The country has a different chronology. In Hassan Rouhani's homeland, it’s the year 1396. It began just a week ago. The New Year in Iran was celebrated on March 21. This year, it’s our first foreign visit. Step by step our relations were developing positively, and now, a new stage is beginning. The ultimate goal is to strengthen peace and stability in the region. The development of our relations isn’t directed against third countries.

The fact that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was present at the talks means that the parties weren't only discussing economic cooperation. Moscow and Tehran call terrorism a common enemy. Iran provided its Hamadan base to Russian aircraft that bombed militant positions in Syria.

As Vladimir Putin noted today, the two countries are coordinating actions on liquidating ISIS and Al-Nusra. In many ways, thanks to our joint efforts, we managed to establish a regime of cessation of hostilities, and extend it to a significant part of Syria's territory. The participation of Russia and Iran, along with Turkey, as guarantor countries in the Astana negotiations, between the representatives of the armed opposition and the Syrian government, is an important contribution to the further advancement of peaceful political settlement in Syria. We will continue this struggle until the elimination of terrorist instances in the region.





The meetings that took place in Astana, with the participation of Iran, Russia, and Turkey, will be continued with the goal of Syrian citizens achieving their national rights. More than 50 journalists came to Moscow with President Rouhani. Messages from negotiations were sent to Iran instantly. This is a signal to politicians that Tehran is interested in cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union and the SCO. There is news for ordinary citizens. Tourist group trips to both countries will become visa-free. In May, Iran will elect a new president.

An official campaign to nominate candidates hasn’t started yet, but Hassan Rouhani is likely to run for the next term. If this happens, the current visit to Moscow, of course, will add points to him in the pre-election race. The truth is, there are many people in Iran who call on the authorities to cooperate with Russia more closely.