After the practical implementation of the joint comprehensive plan of actions (JCPOA) on settling the Iranian nuclear problem started on January 16th, work in this direction moved to routine mode. According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, further development of Tehran's nuclear programme and international cooperation with Iran in the nuclear field should be carried out strictly within the framework of the JCPOA and UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Obviously, it will take some time to build the required mechanisms, given their complex and unique nature, to coordinate the efforts and begin to work smoothly and at full strength. "The Russian side will actively contribute to this in the interest of sustaining the JCPOA throughout its implementation, meaning at least for the next decade. We hope that all the other participants in the process will strictly comply with their obligations to ensure that the work does not stop but continues most effectively," Zakharova stated.
The main focus of attention has now switched to the IAEA. That agency should confirm somewhere down the line that Iran does not possess any undeclared nuclear material or engage in such activity, a confirmation that should abolish the remaining restrictions on cooperation with Iran in certain areas, including military-technical and nuclear cooperation, before the deadline stipulated by UN Security Council Resolution 2231. This work by the IAEA has already begun as part of Tehran’s implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. We hope that it will not be politicised, and that all parties will make every effort towards its early completion."
Speaking about the prospects of Russian-Iranian cooperation in the trade and economic spheres, Zakharova noted that the lifting of sanctions against Iran, in connection with the beginning of the JCPOA implementation, creates additional conditions for the expansion and diversification of trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Iran.
After Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Iran on November 23rd 2015, followed by contacts between representatives of the two government’s economic officials (in December of last year Iran was visited by First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov and Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov) there is a large package of bilateral agreements.
This year, the confirmation of mutual willingness to deepen cooperation in many practical areas were specific agreements to expand the range of mutual supplies of agricultural products and foodstuffs. They were discussed and agreements on them were reached during Minister of Agriculture Alexander Tkachev’s visit to Iran, held on January 19th.
As for the prospects of Iran joining to the SCO, Zakharov reminded that since 2005 Iran has been deeply involved in SCO activities as an observer nation; in 2008, the country officially applied for full membership of the organisation. However, the sanctions imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council were an obstacle to that, as it was contrary to the SCO Charter.
The beginning of the JCPOA implementation aimed at resolving the Iranian nuclear programme, which serves as the basis for the cancellation of the international sanctions against the Tehran regime, opens the way for practical consideration of the country’s SCO membership application. "Russia, which consistently supports Iran’s full-scale engagement in cooperation with the SCO members, directly with the organisation and with the SCO 'family', is ready to assist in getting the process going. We support Iran’s full-scale participation in SCO activities," Zakharova said.
