Pars Today – The Russian ambassador to Tehran has stated that the implementation of the free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Iran will soon begin.
“Alexey Dedov,” the Russian ambassador to Iran, recently spoke exclusively with TVBRICS about cooperation between Russia and Iran in trade, culture, and tourism. According to Pars Today, Alexey Dedov said that overall, trade between Russia and Iran is showing a positive trend, and it is expected that the volume of trade between the two countries will increase by about 15% this year compared to last year when it reached $4.2 billion.
Settlements
The Russian diplomat noted that Russia has started accepting Iran’s Shetab payment system cards, and Russian Mir cards will soon be accepted in Iran. He emphasized: “Both countries have almost entirely shifted to mutual settlements using their national currencies through their financial and banking systems.” These measures are expanding the scope for economic cooperation.
A profitable market
Alexey Dedov also referred to the free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Iran, stating: The EAEU today represents a market with a population of 190 million people, offering Iran preferential conditions for importing goods, simplified customs procedures and technical regulations. Similarly, Iranian markets provide the same advantages for exporters from EAEU member countries.This mutually beneficial cooperation serves the interests of both peoples.
Cultural days
The Russian ambassador to Iran, referring to cultural cooperation between the two countries, added: This year’s key event will be the celebration of Russian cultural days in Iran, planned for June.
Tourism
Regarding bilateral tourism relations between Iran and Russia, he stated: Bilateral tourism in 2024 has increased by 13%. The number of Iranian tourists visiting Russia has grown significantly, while 5,000 Russian tourists have visited Iran.
Nuclear program
The Russian diplomat also commented on Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, saying: Projects related to Iran’s peaceful nuclear energy, including the construction of the second and third units of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, are underway. Additionally, there is cooperation in the field of medical isotopes, which enhances the level of patient treatment.
International platform
Alexey Dedov, responding to a question regarding BRICS’ role in strengthening Iran-Russia relations, told TVBRICS: BRICS is an important international platform for cooperation with Iranian partners because the values upheld by this structure, such as respect for international law, national sovereignty, mutual interests, recognition of each country’s right to choose its own path of development, solidarity, and mutual assistance, are fully endorsed by both Moscow and Tehran.
Other developments in Iran-Russia relations
Recently, during a meeting, “Kazem Jalali,” Iran’s ambassador to Moscow, and “Mikhail Bogdanov,” Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, discussed various regional and international issues, particularly developments in Syria and Palestine.
Additionally, at a meeting between the head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization and his Russian counterpart, it was agreed to accelerate harmonization of aviation laws and expedite cooperation within the aviation industry. The parties also agreed to draft a joint regulation in the airport sector.
In another development, the joint naval exercise “Maritime Security Belt 2025” involving naval groups from Iran, Russia, and China commenced on Monday in Iran’s Chabahar port.
MG/UR
