President Ebrahim Raisi Appreciates President Vladimir Putin's Support Regarding Iran's Nuclear Rights

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi held a telephone conversation, discussing various issues, including cooperation between the two countries, Tuesday.

On the occasion, President Raisi said Iran was ready to conclude a long-term agreement on comprehensive cooperation with Russia.

"We are ready to finalize documents on long-term comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, to accelerate the process of further expansion of bilateral interactions," the Russian Presidential Press Service quoted President Raisi as saying, TASS reported, November 17.

"Tehran and Moscow's position is close on many international issues. Opposing a unilateral approach and increasing multipolarity are common characteristics of the two countries," President Raisi said.

The Treaty on Mutual Relations and Cooperation Principles between Iran and Russia was signed in March 2001 and is automatically renewed every five years.

In addition to cooperation, President Raisi stressed the seriousness of his side in talks to end all sanctions against the Iranian nation. This is related to the continuation of Iran's talks with major world powers, including Russia, regarding the 2015 Nuclear Deal in Vienna, Austria after a five-month gap.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is very serious in negotiations and we are equally serious in ensuring the rights of our nation in lifting sanctions as well," President Raisi stressed, appreciating Russia's position in defending Iran's nuclear rights, reported the Tehran Times.

President Raisi also appreciated the calls made by Putin, saying Iran is trying to develop trade and economic relations with Russia. He also stressed the need to complete a comprehensive document on long-term cooperation between Iran and Russia.

"We are ready to finalize a comprehensive document on long-term cooperation between the two countries so that the process of further developing relations and cooperation between the two countries can be carried out immediately," said Raisi.

Not only that, but President Raisi also stressed the need for cooperation between the two countries on regional issues, saying Iran considers the continued presence of outsiders in Syria illegal and against the wishes of the Syrian people, warning it threatens the country's stability and security.

Separately, the Kremlin said Presidents Putin and President Raisi agreed to continue coordinating efforts towards a Syrian settlement.

"It was noted that thanks to coordinated Russian-Iranian efforts, it became possible to preserve the statehood of Syria and destroy the great hotbed of international terrorism. Both sides expressed a commitment to further coordination on the Syrian settlement, including in the Astana format," the Kremlin said.

It is known, Russia, Iran, and Turkey are guarantor countries of Syrian settlements in the so-called Astana format.

Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin stressed that Tehran and Moscow share the same position on many issues.

"Moscow supports Tehran's proposal to draw up a new document on long-term cooperation between the two countries, and we are determined to finalize it and implement it as soon as possible," President Putin said.

Stressing Moscow attaches great importance to improving the level of economic relations and completing a joint investment program with Iran, the Russian president said his country is witnessing a positive trend to increase the level of bilateral, regional, international cooperation and there is no doubt that the development of cooperation will accelerate.

The Russian president also expressed support for the rights of the Iranian people on the nuclear issue and expressed hope that in future negotiations, the parties will have sufficient political will to get out of the current situation.