Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday in Turkmenistan, where both leaders praised the strengthening of economic ties and shared views on global affairs.
Facing increasing opposition from Washington and the European Union due to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which Putin frames as part of a broader struggle against a self-serving and arrogant West, the Russian leader is focused on deepening alliances with what he refers to as the Global East and Global South.
During the meeting, Putin invited Pezeshkian to visit Russia for an official visit, an offer that the Iranian leader accepted, according to Russia’s RIA news agency. The two countries are also preparing for the upcoming BRICS summit, set to be hosted by Russia in Kazan from October 22-24.
“Economically and culturally, our communications are being strengthened day by day and becoming more robust,” Pezeshkian was quoted as saying by Iran’s IRNA news agency. He emphasized that the cooperation between Iran and Russia should accelerate, especially given the alignment of both nations’ leadership.
Last month, Pezeshkian committed to deepening Iran’s ties with Russia to counter Western sanctions, and the two countries are reportedly close to signing a strategic partnership agreement. Pezeshkian expressed hope that this agreement could be finalized at the upcoming BRICS summit.
The U.S. has expressed concern over the strengthening relationship between Moscow and Tehran, accusing Iran of supplying Russia with ballistic missiles for its war efforts in Ukraine, a claim Tehran denies. However, Russia has emphasized that its cooperation with Iran is expanding across multiple sectors.
Putin, speaking on the sidelines of the Turkmenistan conference, noted the alignment of both countries’ views on international issues. “Our positions in the world are much closer to each other than to others,” Putin told Pezeshkian, according to Russia’s TASS news agency.
Pezeshkian highlighted the complementary capacities of Iran and Russia. He also criticized Israel for the killing of innocent people in the Middle East, a view shared by Russia, which has also condemned Israel for bombing civilian areas.
In comments released earlier by the Kremlin, Putin stated that a new world order is forming, with new centers of economic growth and political influence emerging. He underscored Russia’s support for broad international discussions on this multipolar world and expressed openness to engaging in these conversations through various organizations, including the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and BRICS.
