Putin asks Raisi’s position on situation around nuclear deal

MOSCOW (TASS): Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said he would like to hear his position on the situation around the Iranian nuclear deal.
“It is very important for me to know your position on the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian Nuclear Program],” the Russian President said.
Welcoming his counterpart and noting points of contact with Tehran, Putin pointed out that Iran is actively working as an observer in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He also added that on the basis of an interim agreement, relations between the state and the Eurasian Economic Union are developing. “We are actively working to create <…> a free trade zone between Iran and our association,” the President of the Russian Federation added.
The head of the Russian state stated that the negotiations that had begun had a very large agenda. “I am v-ery glad to see you and at the very beginning of our meeting I want to ask you to convey my best wishes to the spiritual leader, -, after returning to Tehran,” Putin concluded.
Raisi thanked his counterpart for facilitating Tehran’s entry into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
“I thank you for facilitating Tehran’s entry into the SCO,” he said.
The Iranian side handed over to Russia a draft agr-eement on strategic cooperation for a period of 20 years.
“We handed over to our Russian colleagues a document on strategic cooperation between the two countries, which can determine the prospect for at least 20 years,” he said. According to the Iranian president, “the current level of trade and economic relations [between Iran and Russia] does not cause satisfaction.” “We can increase the level of our trade and economic cooperation by several times,” he added.
Raisi also noted “a very good experience of cooperation between Iran and Russia in Syria in the fight against terrorism.” “This experience can create prerequisites for its expansion and use in other areas,” he said. “Under the current conditions, it is possible to develop cooperation in the fields of economy, politics, culture, science, technology, defense and military spheres, as well as in security and space issues. “.
“We want our relations with Russia to be strong and comprehensive. These relations will not be short-term or positional, but permanent and strategic,” the Iranian president said. In addition, he thanked his Russian counterpart “for facilitating Tehran’s entry into the SCO.”
Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi , after completing negotiations with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin , performed an evening prayer in the Kremlin building, Tasnim agency reports.
An Iranian agency published on its Telegram channel a photo showing the Iranian president performing namaz on a special rug in the Kremlin building.
Raisi on Wednesday made his first visit to Moscow since his presidential term began in August 2021.