The meeting took place as part of Mikhail Mishustin’s official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic.
Mikhail Mishustin and First Vice President of Iran Mohammad Reza Aref
Meeting between Mikhail Mishustin and First Vice President of Iran Mohammad Reza Aref
First Vice President of Iran Mohammad Reza Aref meets with Mikhail Mishustin
Mikhail Mishustin meets with First Vice President of Iran Mohammad Reza Aref
Meeting between Mikhail Mishustin and First Vice President of Iran Mohammad Reza Aref
Mikhail Mishustin and First Vice President of Iran Mohammad Reza Aref
Excerpts from the transcript:
Mikhail Mishustin: Good afternoon, Mr Aref.
First and foremost, I would like to ask you to convey President Vladimir Putin’s sincerest regards – as well as my own – to President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian.
Relations between Russia and Iran are built on the principles of friendship, good neighbourliness, mutual respect, and consideration for each other’s interests. During President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow in January this year, a new foundational Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran was signed. It is now the task of our governments to ensure systemic efforts towards fulfilling the agreements reached at the highest level.
Russian-Iranian trade and economic collaboration is progressing successfully. In May, the Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Iran, signed on 25 December 2023, came into force. Its implementation will facilitate growth in mutual trade and advance joint economic projects across industry, energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and other fields.
Regarding transport logistics, we are actively collaborating on the development of the International North–South Transport Corridor. This strategic route will enhance connectivity across the entire Eurasian region.
We are undoubtedly and sincerely committed to expanding cultural and humanitarian ties. Allow me to remind you that more than 9,000 Iranian students are enrolled at Russian universities. In June, a festival of Russian culture was held in Tehran and Isfahan. Reciprocal tourist flows are increasing. Joint humanitarian and educational initiatives help our citizens better acquaint themselves with the rich history of both countries.
Mr Aref, the floor is yours.
Mohammad Reza Aref (via interpreter): I am delighted to meet with you. In this short time, I have had the privilege of meeting not only you but also ministers of the Russian Federation – a great honour for me.
From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank the Russian side, your Government, for the support extended to Iran. The current regional situation, particularly in light of the Zionist regime’s aggression, backed by the United States, against our country, demands even closer ties and cooperation between us.
The Presidents of our two countries have held talks with each other. Our Foreign Minister also met with Mr Putin. This is of utmost importance to us.
I would like to express gratitude to the Russian Federation for your principled stance on the issues arising during the recent 12-day war, which violated international law, norms, and regulations. These actions were entirely unlawful.
Special thanks to the Russian side for your vision of international relations, for fostering stability and prosperity in the region, and for your efforts in advancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation. We are ready to work with you.
As you may know, we were in the midst of mediated talks with the United States. We had an agenda for those talks. We were ready to establish mutual trust and draw trust to the Iranian peaceful programme from the international community. Originally, this project had political significance. We know that our strategic doctrine has never had room for using nuclear energy for purposes other than peaceful, although the Western countries thought differently.
But in the midst of the talks, they disrupted the negotiating process, attacked us, and killed Iranian nuclear professors, Iranian citizens, and Iranian generals. They made an assault on us for far-fetched reasons.
Currently, the Zionist regime continues to interfere in internal affairs of the region. Its conduct towards Gaza is inhuman. It is being aggressive. If they have a chance, they most likely will steer towards stabilising their aggressive behaviour. They will strip the people of Gaza of all opportunities.
We must fight this. We, like you, are against the US unilateral policy. We should cooperate both bilaterally and multilaterally to strengthen our positions and ensure peace and security in the region. To help all countries in that region. We believe that solving all problems in our region does not depend on the will of non-regional countries. I think that all regional countries have all the necessary powers and are strong enough to solve all problems on their own.
Recently, we have signed an agreement on strategic partnership between our countries. This is a good basis for our cooperation. It is great luck that our parliament has ratified this agreement. Hopefully, we will manage, with each other’s help, to put all the provisions of this agreement into practice.
Our colleagues and we are working to turn this agreement into the basis for our cooperation. Our parliaments have ratified it.
I would like to thank you for inviting us to attend the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in mid-November.
