Press statements following talks with President of Iran Hassan
Rouhani
Following the Russian-Iranian talks, Vladimir Putin and Hassan
Rouhani made press statements.
March 28, 2017
17:40
The Kremlin, Moscow
Following the Russian-Iranian talks, Vladimir Putin and Hassan
Rouhani made press statements.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, ladies
and gentlemen,
The talks with President of the Islamic Republic
of Iran Hassan Rouhani, who is in Russia on an official
visit, were held in a businesslike and constructive manner. You
have seen us sign a comprehensive Joint Statement and a major
package of intergovernmental, interdepartmental and corporate
documents. Thus, we can state with confidence that relations between Russia
and Iran are truly of a friendly and respectful nature.
Our states strive in every way to strengthen our multifaceted,
mutually beneficial ties, and aim to bring our cooperation, through
joint efforts, to the next level of strategic partnership. Mr
Rouhani and I have agreed to continue to maintain
an intensive political dialogue between our two countries,
and to deepen Russian-Iranian cooperation in various areas,
primarily the economy.
We noted with satisfaction that trade between Russia and Iran grew
by more than 70 percent in 2016. This is a truly good result,
since we managed to achieve it amid an unstable global economy
and persisting volatility on the commodity and currency
markets.
During a meeting with heads of departments
and representatives of major businesses, the participants
analysed the opportunities for increasing mutual flows of goods
and investments, and expanding contacts in the sphere
of innovations and innovative technology. In this regard,
specific tasks have been set for the bilateral Intergovernmental
Commission and the High Commission of Russian-Iranian Scientific
and Technical Cooperation.
In particular, it was deemed necessary to step up
the implementation of the Roadmap for Cooperation
in Trade and Industry. We noted the importance of creating
favourable conditions for reciprocal deliveries of agricultural
products and food, as well as developing interbank ties
and using national currencies in mutual settlements. Both sides also
expressed their support for creating a free trade zone between
the Eurasian Economic Union and Iran.
Particular attention was paid to bilateral projects
in the nuclear power industry. Russia is providing substantial
assistance to Iran in this area. Moreover, our cooperation strictly
complies with international law, IAEA requirements and all provisions
of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
on the Iranian nuclear programme.
The first unit of the Bushehr NPP built by Rosatom
has reached its design capacity, is operating stably and generates
electricity for the Iranian economy. Documents are being coordinated
for building the second and the third NPP units.
Russia is involved in developing other energy sectors in Iran.
State loans in the amount of 2.2 billion euros have been set
aside for financing the construction of the Sirik thermal
power plant on the Persian Gulf shore and the adaptation of railway
electric traction in northern Iran.
We see good potential for expanding our cooperation
in the oil and gas sector. Leading Russian companies have
achieved a number of important agreements for developing major
hydrocarbon fields in Iran. Our states cooperate within the Gas
Exporting Countries Forum, and coordinate their efforts in order
to stabilise international oil markets.
We also focused on ways to expand cooperation
in engineering and civil aviation. The agenda includes possible
deliveries to Iran of modern medium-haul aircraft such
as the Sukhoi Superjet 100, as well as helicopters
for Iran’s medical aviation.
We agreed with our Iranian partners to do our best to promote
the development of direct ties between the regions of our
two countries, and to hold a Russian-Iranian Forum
of Interregional Cooperation in Astrakhan before the end
of this year.
Russia and Iran attach great importance to building up
interaction in the sphere of culture and education. Ten
Iranian universities now have Russian language and literature departments.
This year, Iran received 92 scholarships paid for from the Russian
budget; another 82 Iranian students enrolled with Russian universities
on a paid basis.
An agreement on simplifying mutual travel terms
for the citizens of the two countries helps expand contacts
between our peoples. Last year alone, the number of Russian visas
issued to Iranians grew by 73 percent. I am confident that
the implementation of the agreement on visa-free group
tours that was signed today will boost tourist exchanges between our countries.
Of course, Mr Rouhani and I touched upon important
regional and international issues. I would note that
the positions of our countries are quite close on many issues
of international politics.
We consider it important to further strengthen our cooperation
in fighting international terrorism. Russia and Iran coordinate their
efforts as we try to eliminate ISIS and al-Nusra
and to settle the situation in Syria. Largely due
to our joint efforts, we have succeeded in achieving
the cessation of hostilities and extending this
to a significant portion of Syria.
The participation of Russia and Iran, along with Turkey,
as guarantor countries in the Astana talks between
the representatives of the armed opposition
and the Syrian government is an important contribution
to advancing a peaceful political settlement in Syria,
and facilitating inter-Syrian talks and the corresponding
process under the UN auspices in Geneva.
We discussed the situation in Afghanistan, noting
the importance of achieving national reconciliation in that
country. Russia believes it is quite useful that, in the wake
of multilateral talks held in Moscow in February, Iran joined
in the international efforts aimed at launching constructive
dialogue between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
Our country also supports Iran's plans to step up cooperation with
the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which, of course, will have
a favourable influence on the developments
in the region.
In light of the upcoming 5th Caspian Summit
in Astana, the parties noted the advisability of completing
the work on drafting the Convention on the Legal
Status of the Caspian Sea as soon as possible.
In closing, I would like to emphasise once again that,
in general, the talks were thorough and effective. I would
like to thank President Rouhani and all our Iranian colleagues.
I am confident that the agreements reached today will give further
impetus to strengthening our mutually beneficial cooperation across all
areas.
I have asked Mr President to convey our very best wishes
to the spiritual leader of Iran, who is our great friend.
President of Iran Hassan Rouhani (re-translated): In the name
of God, the most gracious and merciful,
First, I would like to thank the Government
of the Russian Federation and the people of Russia
for their warm and sincere hospitality. On behalf
of the Iranian delegation, I would like to express our
gratitude and thank His Excellency, President Putin,
for the invitation which was extended to me and my accompanying
delegation.
During today's talks in restricted and expanded formats, we
discussed relations between our two countries, and reached new agreements
to promote and encourage our trade and economic ties.
The relationship between our two countries, from
the perspective of expanding economic, trade and tourism relations,
show that our bilateral ties have improved over the past year.
The decisions that were made in recent months, as well
as the ones that were made today, show that we are
on a path towards comprehensive development of our economic,
cultural, and scientific relations, and that we are moving towards
establishing strategic ties.
Earlier decisions to build two new Bushehr NPP units
and a thermal power plant in Bandar Abbas, to promote
cooperation between our respective railways and to electrify
the Garmsar-Inche Burun railway are being implemented. Also, we are acting
upon the agreements between our countries to promote trade
in food and agricultural products, as well
as in industry.
During this visit, decisions were made regarding new areas
of cooperation, and all these areas show that we are
at a new stage in our economic relations, and our overall
links have graduated from ordinary to major long-term projects. We are
making the right decisions serving the long-term strategy of our
relations.
We discussed developing the North-South transport corridor,
privileges and preferences that have emerged along the way
in trade between our two countries for our entrepreneurs,
as well as the efforts undertaken by Iran, Russia
and Azerbaijan. The most recent meeting of this ”triangle“ was
held in Baku, and these tripartite relations will continue
for the benefit of our peoples.
In the sphere of science, culture and tourism,
the decisions that were made on technology, research institutes
and our universities will lead to the expansion of our
relations.
We also discussed the formation of a Free Trade Zone
between Iran and the EAEU member countries. This, too, can promote
trade between the EAEU countries and Iran and create conditions
in regional trade.
We also discussed regional issues at our meeting today, including
peace and security in the region, as well
as the establishment of closer relations between
the countries and the peoples of the region. We
discussed the concerns that exist with regard to Syria and Yemen,
and other countries of the region, as well as our
cooperation in fighting terrorism. We will continue fighting it until
terrorist acts stops in the entire region. The talks
in Astana with the participation of Iran, Russia and Turkey
will also continue, so that the people of Syria can exercise their
national rights.
With regard to the international agenda
and the close ties that exist between our countries,
in particular, with regard to implementing the Joint
Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), I would be remiss not
to mention the assistance that Russia has provided in order
to achieve the agreement and implement the JCPoA,
to build the nuclear power plant and to promote fuel
production. Our cooperation on international norms and rules within
the IAEA and our agreement on the JCPoA will continue,
and both our countries stressed that the JCPoA has become stronger
and is being implemented, and our interaction on peaceful
nuclear issues is being properly coordinated.
We discussed the legal issues related to the Caspian Sea
and further steps to be taken in this area in order
to sign documents during the summit. This was another topic which we
discussed today.
The signing of today's documents shows that we are moving
forward along the path of developing our bilateral relations. So,
once again I want to thank His Excellency President Putin,
as well as the ministers of the Russian Government,
for your warm hospitality.
Thank you very much.
See also
March 28,
2017
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