Iran’s President Raisi Arrives In Moscow To Meet Putin

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has arrived in Russia for a two-day state visit upon an official invitation by President Vladimir Putin.

Before leaving Tehran for Moscow Wednesday morning, Raisi expressed hope that his visit could be a “turning point” in bilateral relations.

“Undoubtedly, we have good relations with all of our neighbors, particularly Russia, and considering the bilateral political, economic, and trade relations, this trip can be a turning point in our cooperation with Russia,” he said.

“The Iran-Russia collaboration in the region certainly creates security and will prevent unilateralism,” the Iranian president said.

Raisi is scheduled to hold a meeting with President Putin and deliver a speech at a plenary session of the Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament during his trip.

Rejecting speculations that Raisi is going to Russia to ink the proposed 20-year agreement, Iran’s ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali has said the two presidents may discuss and agree on different issues but signing deals is not on the agenda of the visit.

On Tuesday, the Russian Pacific Fleet announced it will take part in joint naval war games with Iran and China in without announcing the exact date and location for the drills.

Earlier in the week, Iran’s former ambassador to Russia said increasing banking cooperation between Tehran and Moscow can be used to circumvent United States’ sanctions.