Yuri Ushakov, the Presidential Aide, stated at a meeting in Moscow with Ali Akbar Velayati, Adviser to the Supreme Leader of Iran for International Affairs, that Russia welcomed the full membership of Iran in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Iran.ru reported [Iran has had the status of an observer in the SCO since 2005; it sent an official request for full membership of the organization last year]. Ushakov said that Iran’s regional position was important and that “Russia used all of its potential to extend the bilateral, regional, and multilateral relations with Iran and supported its membership in the SCO.”
Meanwhile, Velayati sees the relations with Moscow in a broader way. He presented the priorities of post-sanctions Iran in several theses:
First. The end of the nuclear talks between Iran and the Group of "5+1" is one of the most important moments in the history of Iran. Of course, Russia's help to us has been very valuable in this regard, it is the basis for broader cooperation.
Second. During the 12-year-long sanctions, Iran suffered severe damage. However, the lifting of sanctions has established appropriate opportunities for the country's economy.
Third. Iran cannot trust the West, particularly the United States. It will establish an economy based on internal forces.
Fourth. At the same time, Iran stands for a revision of relations with the West in the economy in favour of using financial and infrastructural projects and the creation of a job market. “Even if we expand our economic relations, in the political sphere we have disagreements with them,” Velayati noted.
Fifth. Iran intends to develop extensive regional cooperation, including relations with Russia.
Sixth. Iran and Moscow should focus on development of economic relations and should not feel a sense of competition in the energy sector. Iran, Russia and Iraq should hold more consultations in the energy market production.
Seventh. Iran and Russia are making efforts to ensure the reduction of their dependence on economic global organizations. “Tehran and Moscow should not allow these institutions to be used as tools for the implementation of Western interests. Therefore, we must make efforts to ensure that through the expansion of bilateral cooperation and through contacts within independent organizations, the full participation of Iran in these organizations’ cooperation is provided. It will create a great atmosphere to maneuver,” Velayati stated.
