Rouhani: Iran, Russia politically determined to boost ties

Tehran, Apr 28, IRNA – Tehran and Moscow both have the required political will for boosting relations, said President Hassan Rouhani here Sunday referring to good political ties and close economic and trade volume of the two countries. ˈIran-Russia relations are not only to the benefit of the two nations, but also beneficial for the whole region,ˈ added the Iranian president in a meeting with the visiting Russian energy minister who is in Tehran at the top of the Joint Iran-Russia Economic Commission for business and trade negotiations with Iranian officials. ˈStrong political relations in bilateral, regional and international fields, side by side with the two countriesˈ broad-scale economic ties pave the path for more sustainable peace and stability,ˈ added the Iranian president. Rouhani also referred to the reached agreements between him and President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, arguing that the existence of a strong political will in both ends can lead to the further broadening of the level of cooperation and trade volume. President Rouhani also expressed hope that the two countriesˈ joint economic cooperation commission would manage to pave the path for taking long stride in bilateral transactions. Alexander Novak, the Russian energy minister, too, said in the meeting that the two countriesˈ friendly relations are established to serve the mutual interests of the two nations and implementing the Bishkek agreement with his Excellency the Iranian president, will definitely serve that purpose. ˈPresident Putin personally monitors the implementation of the entire articles of that agreement and pays special attention to the expansion of comprehensive relations with Iran,ˈ he added. The Russian energy minister said that implementing the agreements within the framework of the Bishkek talks provides a golden opportunity for boosting the bilateral transactions and cooperation. He meanwhile presented a report on his meetings with the Iranian officials, expressing hope that such meetings would pave the path for further expansion of bilateral cooperation. In addition to their trade and cooperation in hydrocarbons, Iran and Russia have also expanded trade ties in many non-energy sectors of the economy, including a large agriculture agreement in January 2009 and a telecommunications contract in December 2008. In July 2010, Iran and Russia signed an agreement to increase their cooperation in developing their energy sectors. Features of the agreement include the establishment of a joint oil exchange, which with a combined production of up to 15 million barrels of oil per day has the potential to become a leading market globally. Gazprom and Lukoil have become increasingly involved in the development of Iranian oil and gas projects. In 2005, Russia was the seventh largest trading partner of Iran, with 5.33% of all exports to Iran originating from Russia.[18] Trade relations between the two increased from USD$1 billion in 2005 to $3.7 billion in 2008. Motor vehicles, fruits, vegetables, glass, textiles, plastics, chemicals, hand-woven carpet, stone and plaster products were among the main Iranian non-oil goods exported to Russia. end