TEHRAN - The First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on CIS Affairs has highlighted the historic signing of the free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and Iran in December 2023, describing it as a lasting achievement in the legacy of the late President Ebrahim Raisi.

In his statement, Konstantin Zatulin emphasized that the agreement was realized through the concerted efforts of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei, President Raisi, and Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian.

On December 25, 2023, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Armenia formalized a free trade agreement during a ceremony in Saint Petersburg. This significant move followed the initial step taken in 2017, when a draft agreement for preferential export tariffs was signed in Yerevan. By 2018, a temporary agreement was in place, allowing tariff discounts on numerous goods exchanged between the parties.

Under this framework, Iran granted tariff reductions on approximately 380 items of manufactured goods from the EEU, while the EEU reciprocated with discounts on 502 items of Iranian products. These concessions facilitated equitable economic exchanges, benefiting both parties.

Zatulin also addressed the tragic helicopter crash on May 19, 2024, which claimed the lives of President Raisi, the Foreign Minister, and their companions. He expressed the profound grief felt by the Russian people and extended his condolences, noting that Tehran-Moscow relations flourished under President Raisi's leadership.

"We hope that Moscow-Tehran relations will not deteriorate in the future and that we will achieve new heights in our cooperation. It is important to honor the figures who were martyred," Zatulin stated.

Reflecting on the commencement of the new parliamentary term, he expressed confidence that the progress in bilateral relations between Russia and Iran would continue. 

The 12th term of parliament began on Tuesday, with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf re-elected as the parliament speaker.

In conclusion, Zatulin asserted that nothing will divert the path of Russia-Iran relations. 

The helicopter crash that shocked Iran, resulting in the loss of President Raisi and others, has left an indelible mark on the nation, casting a profound shadow over its people.

Following the tragic incident, the people of Tehran and some other cities gathered in overwhelming numbers to participate in the funeral ceremony for the late President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian.

On May 22, the air was thick with grief as mourners from every corner of Tehran came together to honor their martyred president and foreign minister. Their presence and collective sorrow spoke volumes, reflecting a deep sense of loss and reverence for the men who had served their nation with such dedication. The streets echoed with heartfelt tributes, as the populace expressed their profound mourning and unwavering respect for President Raisi and Minister Amir Abdollahian.