Iran, Russia to sign comprehensive cooperation agreement in ‘mid-January’

The presidents of Iran and Russia will sign a comprehensive agreement for long-term cooperation in Moscow in mid-January, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says.

Speaking to reporters at his weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday, Baghaei said the agreement has different aspects.

“An important part of the agreement includes trade, economy, energy and the environment sectors as well as issues pertaining to defense and security matters,” he added.

He noted that Iran and Russia had approved the document in early summer and were waiting for the right time to sign the deal by the two countries’ presidents.

Pointing to bilateral negotiations about the agreement at different times in the past, Baghaei stressed the need to update the previous document to further strengthen Tehran-Moscow relations.

Pezeshkian to visit Russia next month to sign partnership pact: Iran envoy

The Iranian ambassador to Moscow says President Masoud Pezeshkian will pay a visit to Russia next month to sign an agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Iran and Russia, as two close and strategic allies, have over the past years deepened their relations in various fields, despite being under heavy Western sanctions.

In 2001, Tehran and Moscow signed a long-term cooperation deal, officially known as the Treaty of the Foundation of Mutual Relations and the Principles of Cooperation. It was initially set for 10 years but was extended up until 2026. 

Now, the two capitals are making final arrangements for the comprehensive partnership pact, which may determine their bilateral ties in all fields for the next 20 years. 

Syria developments top on agenda of Iraqi PM’s visit to Tehran

The spokesperson said Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani is scheduled to visit Tehran at the invitation of President Masoud Pezeshkian in line with diplomatic interactions between the two countries.

The Iraqi premier and Iranian president will discuss ways to promote mutual relations in various fields and the implementation of the agreements previously signed by the two countries, he added.

“The developments in the region, especially in Syria, will definitely be among the topics on the agenda of this trip given their importance and sensitivity,” Baghaei explained.

All regional countries should respect Syrian people’s decision

Baghaei affirmed Iran’s “clear” stance on the latest developments in Syria after the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad and said Tehran has always emphasized that it respects the Syrian people’s decisions.

He emphasized that all regional countries should also respect the decisions being made by the people of Syria.

The spokesman said maintenance of Syria’s integrity and territorial integrity is important for Iran and the whole region “while we have expressed common concerns.”

“Syria must be able to make decisions about its own destiny and future without destructive interference of regional or international parties. It must not become a place for the growth of terrorism and violent extremism at all,” Baghaei noted.

As Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced, stability, peace and prevention of any chaos in Syria will be beneficial for Iran and the entire region, he said.

Iran never left negotiating table, always believes in dialogue

In response to a question about possible negotiations between Iran and the United States, Baghaei said Tehran has never left the negotiating table and always believes in dialogue.

He added that Iran is ready for “dignified” negotiations to remove sanctions and allay concerns of the sides about the country’s nuclear program and emphasized, “This is Iran’s fixed stance.”

Baghaei, however, noted that more decisions should be made in this regard based on the opposite side’s approach and performance.

Israel informs UN, officially bans agency for Palestinian refugees despite global outcry

The Israeli regime bans the operations of UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, across the Palestinian territories.

World opposes Israel’s violation of its commitments to UNRWA

Baghaei said the international community expressed its protest over the Israeli regime’s ban on the operations of UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, and called on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to investigate the issue.

He added that the ICJ must rule on Israel’s breach of its commitments to international organizations.

In a statement in November, the regime’s foreign ministry said, “On the instruction of Foreign Minister Israel Katz,” it had notified the UN of the “cancellation of the agreement” between the regime and the agency.

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