Iran, Russia Boosting Mutual Cooperation in Several Fields: Ambassador
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran's ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali told a news conference on Wednesday that negotiations are held between Iran and Russia on cooperation in several fields, as well as the space sector.
Iran and Russia have enhanced their mutual cooperation over the past years, in defiance of Western sanctions, apparently worrying the West.
In recent years, relations between the two countries have been developing in all areas, from trade to military deals as well as space sector, PressTV reported.
The outgoing year has, particularly, seen the strengthening of mutual cooperation in a number of strategic areas. Iran’s ambassador to Russia elaborated on that at a press conference in Moscow.
He also noted that the BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are a new pole of power in the world. He added that their influence on the world stage is increasing every day, the role of organizations is growing.
“SCO, BRICS, their role in the world is strengthening every day. This new center, the pole of power cannot be denied, this new center of power is gaining importance every day,” Jalali stressed.
At the press conference held in Moscow, Iran’s ambassador to Russia summed up the outcome of relations between Moscow and Tehran in 2022. He noted that Russia’s ruble is used in more than 40% of trade between the two countries, and that the Russian currency may become the main one in bilateral trade.
According to his remarks, Tehran supported the idea of using the ruble as the main currency in regional unions such as the EAEU. He also referred to efforts to integrate the national payment systems "Mir" and "Shetab" as part of financial and economic cooperation between Russia and Iran. According to the Iranian envoy, Russia and Iran are seeking to reduce the dominance of certain currencies, including the dollar, in bilateral trade and economic relations. Jalali further said the automotive industry and space sector have become another field of cooperation between the two countries. In August, Russia launched remote sensing satellite “Khayyam” into orbit on behalf of Iran.
"As for our negotiations, I would like to say that talks between our organizations concerned in the field of space continue on a regular basis," he said, adding that "Iran will continue cooperation with Russia in the space sector."
Iran is investigating the possibility of producing cars jointly with Russia. Two leading automakers of the Islamic Republic, SAIPA and Iran Khodro, took part in last summer’s exhibition in Moscow and held negotiations with the Russian side. In addition to the joint production, the two countries are also discussing the possibility of sending Iranian cars to Russia.
Russian and Iranian officials have time and again said that the two countries are determined to further expand bilateral ties. They have expressed confidence that the aim will materialize, despite all the challenges the two nations might face, given the numerous capacities the two sides have.
