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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed regional tensions and bilateral ties during a meeting in Moscow on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the 8th Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit, Anadolu Agency reported.
In opening remarks, Putin called the summit “quite successful” and said bilateral meetings between participating leaders had also been “very useful.”
Putin said the situation in the region was a cause for concern, particularly given Russia’s close work with Iran. He described the two countries as neighbours with many shared interests and said they hoped the situation would develop in a positive direction.
The Russian president said Moscow was fulfilling its obligations under all joint projects with Tehran. Bilateral trade turnover rose 10.4% in the first eight months of the year, he said, while construction continued at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.
Putin said Russia was glad to welcome Pezeshkian to Moscow and to discuss current issues and exchange views on the bilateral agenda.
Pezeshkian thanked Putin for his hospitality and described their contacts as “always highly productive.” He said Russia provided Iran with support on political and economic matters, adding: “We are truly grateful for your backing and assistance.”
The Iranian president agreed with Putin’s assessment that trade cooperation between the two countries was “growing and developing.”
Pezeshkian said what he called the “aggressive steps taken by the Americans in the region” showed the need to work towards a multipolar world, which he described as beneficial to all.
“It seems to me that we can work on all the problems that exist in our region. We are capable of resolving all our issues – all regional matters – without the United States,” he said.
He added that there was no need to rely on US assistance in the region, while acknowledging that some countries in the region might disagree.
Earlier on Tuesday, Putin and Pezeshkian both addressed the 8th Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit.
