BISHKEK: Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for Iran during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek.
Putin said Russia stands with the Iranian people and respects their determination to defend their national interests.
The two leaders met on September 1 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan. It was their first in-person meeting since the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel began in February, according to reports.
Putin Says Ceasefire Failed to Last
During the meeting, Putin said Russia had welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire memorandum reached in June.
However, he said the truce proved unstable and too fragile.
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Putin also said Russia was trying to support Tehran during the difficult period. He added that Moscow was supplying Iran with necessary goods.
The Russian president also stressed the importance of continued cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.
Pezeshkian Calls Russia a Strategic Partner
Pezeshkian described Iran and Russia as strategic partners.
The Iranian president thanked Putin for Moscow’s position during the conflict and over the issue of US sanctions.
He said the relationship between Tehran and Moscow was not an ordinary one. Instead, he described it as a strategic partnership.
Pezeshkian also said Iran and Russia could work together to oppose what he called US unilateralism.
Iran Criticizes US Actions
Pezeshkian criticized US military and economic pressure on Iran.
He said Washington had no right to impose sanctions and take military action against Tehran.
The Iranian president also accused the United States of violating international law.
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According to reports of the meeting, Pezeshkian said Iran appreciated Russia’s support at the United Nations and other international forums.
Moscow and Tehran Deepen Cooperation
The meeting highlighted the growing political ties between Russia and Iran.
Both sides have expanded economic, diplomatic and strategic cooperation in recent years.
Putin said bilateral trade and economic ties had continued despite the current tensions. He also pointed to cooperation through the Eurasian Economic Union and other mechanisms.
Meanwhile, Pezeshkian expressed confidence in continued cooperation with Moscow.
The meeting came as fighting between Iran and the United States again intensified. Both Washington and Tehran have exchanged fresh attacks in recent days.
Against this backdrop, the Putin-Pezeshkian meeting underscored Moscow’s support for Tehran and the importance both countries place on their strategic relationship.
