Russia and Iran have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. The signing took place at the Kremlin following talks between Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, RIA Novosti reports.

The new document replaces a 2001 cooperation agreement. Drafting began in 2022, and the text was finalized last summer. According to the Kremlin, this agreement reflects a new stage in bilateral relations.

Following the talks, President Putin highlighted the agreement’s key aspects:

-The treaty sets ambitious goals for sustainable development in the region;

-It establishes conditions for closer and more stable cooperation.

"We are united in our resolve to build on our achievements and take relations to a qualitatively new level. This is the essence of the signed agreement," Putin stated.

The Russian leader emphasized the friendly atmosphere of the talks and reaffirmed the importance of deepening ties with Iran. The next intergovernmental meeting is scheduled to take place in Moscow later this year.

Special attention was given to energy. Putin noted that constructing new reactors at the Bushehr nuclear plant would strengthen Iran’s energy security. Discussions also addressed Syria, with Russia reiterating its commitment to a comprehensive resolution of the conflict.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that the agreement is constructive and not directed against other nations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called it a roadmap for the future, focusing on economy, technology, and cultural exchanges.

The pact also includes completing the North-South transport corridor, boosting energy cooperation, simplifying travel, and organizing joint cultural initiatives.