TEHRAN – During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Iran's acting president conveyed a message from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, emphasizing that the relationship between Iran and Russia is so deep and enduring that no changes in government can affect it.

Speaking in Astana, Kazakhstan, on the sidelines of the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Mokhber also stated that the strategic relations between Iran and Russia have significantly shifted global power dynamics, challenging the existing unilateral order.

Mokhber emphasized that the deep-rooted and strategic relationship between Iran and Russia is influencing global developments. He noted that a new chapter in Tehran-Moscow relations is emerging, promising benefits not only for both nations but also for the broader region and the world.

Highlighting the increasing cooperation in economic, commercial, transportation, and energy sectors, Mokhber called for accelerating the implementation of a comprehensive bilateral cooperation agreement.

Over the past few years, Iran and Russia have strengthened their ties. The strategic cooperation agreement is expected to elevate their relationship to a new level. Mokhber, in a recent meeting with Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of Russia's State Duma Committee on International Affairs, underscored the urgency of executing the comprehensive cooperation deal.

He also stressed the importance of completing the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which will significantly enhance transportation efficiency. The INSTC, a 7,200 km multi-modal network, was established by an agreement between Russia, Iran, and India in 2002 to facilitate freight movement across several regions.

President Putin reiterated Russia's strong, enduring relationship with Iran and praised the expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and commercial sectors. He highlighted the free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as a crucial step for deeper cooperation, providing a platform for increased interactions with the union's member countries.

In December 2023, Iran and the EAEU signed a significant free trade agreement, six years after Tehran joined the bloc to diversify its trade partners amid Western sanctions.

Putin further noted that Tehran and Moscow share common positions on regional and global issues, including efforts to establish a multipolar world. He expressed support for Iran’s proposal to join the Eurasian Union as an observer member.