Russia allows food imports from Iran
Russia has given the go-ahead to dairy and poultry supplies from six Iranian companies, RIA Novosti has reported.
"We gave permission to six Iranian companies for delivery of food products: four dairy producers, and two poultry producers," it quoted Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Inspection Service press secretary Yulia Melano as saying.
She said deliveries can begin only after completion of an “additional set of requirements, which will guarantee complete safety", the news agency reported.
The announcement comes after a senior Russian official said a week ago that the country would begin imports of Iranian dairy, fish and meat products in exchange for grain.
Russia has banned imports of meat and dairy products as well as fruits, vegetables, and fish from Europe, the US, Canada and Australia.
The country is looking for new trade partners for food imports amid tensions with the West which has imposed a series of sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine crisis.
A Russian agriculture ministry delegation visited Iran recently to discuss trade ties. They visited several dairy and meat production units and an industrial slaughterhouse during their 10-day trip.
“At talks in Tehran, we discussed a possible deal to exchange Russian grain for meat or fish or cheese from Iran. It would be a barter deal,” Sputnik quoted deputy head of Russia’s agriculture watchdog Alexei Alexeyenko as saying.
Energy Minister Alexander Novak has said Russian and Iranian companies were discussing the terms for a barter deal that excluded oil deliveries.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia was in favor of promoting Iran’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The organization, led by Russia and China, has granted observer status to Iran but is awaiting removal of sanctions on the Islamic Republic to accept it as a full-fledged member.
Lavrov said Russia favors “making a decision that would show our readiness to promote Iran’s membership in the organization (SCO)”.
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