Russian and Iranian Presidents hold talks in Ashgabat

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Ashgabat, the Kremlin press service reported.

The Russian leader asked Pezeshkian to convey his greetings to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"First of all, I would like to ask you to convey my best wishes to Iran’s supreme leader, Mr. Khamenei," Putin said.

The Russian president noted that last year, Russia-Iran bilateral trade grew by 13%, and in the first three quarters of this year, it has risen by an additional 8%.

He noted that Moscow and Tehran remain in close coordination on all international matters, including the Iranian nuclear program.

"[We are] in close contact on all key international issues, including the matter of the Iranian nuclear program," Putin said.

The Russian head of state noted that Iranian partners are aware of Russia's position.

"We support Iran at the United Nations. Our foreign ministers are in constant contact," Putin said.

According to him, Russia and Iran continue to advance their major joint projects, including the Bushehr nuclear power plant and key infrastructure initiatives such as the North-South transport corridor. Moscow and Tehran are also exploring opportunities for cooperation in the gas and electricity sectors, significant joint work is underway in agriculture as well, he added.

In turn, Masoud Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to the Russian leader for supporting Tehran's position on the world stage.

"I would like to thank you for supporting our political positions on the international stage," Pezeshkian said.

Regarding the Astara-Rasht railway, the Iranian president said that they have already completed 100-110 km, and plan to finish the entire project by the end of the year.