Promotion of Ties with Russia A Priority in Iran’s Foreign Policy: FM

In a meeting in Moscow on Tuesday, Amirabdollahian and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov discussed the bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Emphasizing the importance of implementing the agreements reached during the visit of the president of Iran to Moscow, Amirabdollahian referred to Tehran's determination to develop all-out relations with neighboring countries, including Russia, and described it as one of the main priorities in the foreign policy of the 13th administration.

The foreign minister stressed that the process of developing relations with neighbors and Russia will be defined and continue regardless of any third party or international developments, and regardless of the outcome of the talks in Vienna.

Amirabdollahian reviewed the latest developments in Vienna and described Russia's approach as constructive and empathetic during the past 11 months of talks and expressed confidence that this approach will continue until a good and reliable agreement is reached, the Foreign Ministry’s website reported.

He said it is a fundamental principle that the definitive interests of the Iranian people determine the path of the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the negotiating team in Vienna.

Amirabdollahian also stressed that the ball is in America’s court, and if Washington responds to the few remaining important issues and refrains from killing the time any further, the parties can return to Vienna as soon as possible to conclude the talks.

Explaining his telephone conversation with the Ukrainian foreign minister on the eve of his visit to Moscow, the Iranian foreign minister conveyed the message of the top Ukrainian diplomat requesting an end to the war and resolving issues through negotiations.

Amirabdollahian expressed Tehran's readiness to help resolve disputes between Russia and Ukraine peacefully, announcing the Islamic Republic of Iran’s support for negotiations and a political settlement.

Emphasizing the principled stance of Iran in opposing war, the Iranian foreign minister stated, “We are against war anywhere in the world, be it in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria or Yemen.”

Emphasizing that Iran does not consider war as a solution to any crisis or dispute and opposes it, Amirabdollahian stated that Tehran also opposes the imposition of unilateral sanctions against Russia and considers it illegal and will try to make sure that they do not negatively affect relations between the two countries.

Referring to the need to implement the agreements reached during the recent meeting of the two presidents in Moscow, Lavrov also stressed his country's readiness to develop cooperation with Iran in all fields, especially in the economic sector.

Russia's foreign minister stressed his country’s full support for the finalization of an agreement in Vienna.

He said Russia, contrary to the US claims, would not block the path to an agreement in Vienna and would maintain its constructive approach as part of the collective efforts until the end.

Lavrov also spoke of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Referring to the historical background of the issue, he said that Western countries, by inciting Ukraine, have crossed Russia’s red lines and have caused the current developments by threatening Russia's security.

The Russian foreign minister called the application of double standards by Western countries an example of their hypocritical actions and expressed hope that the sanctions imposed by Western countries against Russia would not affect his country's relations with Iran.

During the meeting, the foreign ministers also exchanged views and discussed current developments in the Caucasus, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen and other issues of mutual interest, including cooperation between the two countries in the Caspian Sea, the Eurasian Economic Union and accelerating membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.