Iran urges Russia to strengthen economic relations
Russia is a reliable and powerful neighbor of Iran, Ibrahim
Rahimpour, Iranian deputy foreign minister, special representative
on the Caspian Sea status, said in an exclusive interview with
Trend’s special correspondent in Tehran.
“The relations between the two countries are strategic and
multifaceted,” he said. “The presidents of the countries have good
friendly relations. The officials always exchanged the views and
held the discussions. This cooperation is beneficial for both
countries."
Rahimpour estimated the current economic relations between Iran and
Russia as unsatisfactory.
"The economic ties strengthened during the reign of Iranian
President Hassan Rouhani [the second half of 2013],” he said. “We
hope that we will be able to establish good relations with Russia
as we managed to achieve this with China."
Before the sanctions were imposed by Western countries against Iran
in 2011, Russia’s exports to Iran amounted to $3.4 billion, while
imports from Iran to Russia - $350 million. But these figures were
respectively $1.2 billion and $433 million in 2013.
The trade turnover between the countries amounted to $2 billion in
2005, while the turnover with China was about $9 billion in the
same year. At present, the trade turnover between Iran and China is
about $ 50 billion.
Iran and Russia also cooperate in the military and security
areas.
"The two countries cooperate in the military sphere, as well as in
the spheres of security and education in a usual way,” he said.
“The region is always within the interests of the third parties,
which makes cooperation essential."
Russia signed a contract for the sale of S-300 anti-aircraft
missile system with Iran in 2007. But its execution was suspended
after the sanctions were imposed against Iran in 2010. However,
Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted the ban on the supply of
Russian systems to Iran in April 2015.
Russia also built the only nuclear power plant in Iran - in Bushehr
city.
Rahimpur said that the countries continue cooperating within the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
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