In an exclusive interview with IRNA, Ionov said on Tuesday that Iran-Russia ties in many aspects are expanding and bilateral cooperation is developing in a very positive atmosphere, and efforts are not enough without a strategic draft or agreement and can not meet the current level of ties between the two countries.
He added that political ties between Iran and Russia are excellent, but relations and cooperation in some fields such as economy, science, technology and industry need more actions.
The Russian political expert said: “The will of the leaders of Iran and Russia is based on the comprehensive development of relations between the two countries and this support is a strong item for the expansion of cooperation and in fact there are no obstacles to the development of relations between the two countries.”
Head of Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia, stating that the Iran-Russia cooperation agreement was signed 20 years ago, said: “This agreement, which was recently extended to 2026, with the current conditions, including Iran-Russia bilateral relations and the region, does not match the needs.
He continued: “Therefore, the agreement of cooperation between the two countries should be updated and the provisions should be in line with the needs of Iran and Russia to develop relations in various fields so that it can be used as a roadmap to expand ties.”
Iran said on Saturday a long-term cooperation roadmap with Russia is at its final stage of development.
“We have launched a new initiative at the Foreign Ministry, namely 20-year cooperation roadmap documents with neighboring countries, including one with Russia, which is almost finalized,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said.
“We will obtain permission from the cabinet to conduct negotiations and, like the 25-year cooperation roadmap, we developed with China, we can do the same with major neighboring countries,” Khatibzadeh added.
He also said President Ebrahim Raisi is slated to visit a number of neighboring countries soon.
He added that the heads of some of those countries, including Turkey, are also going to visit Tehran.
6125**7129
Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish
