Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday at a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi noted that the development of trade turnover between the two countries continues even in a pandemic.
"Despite the pandemic, the year before last we had a certain, small, but still an increase in trade turnover of over 6 percent. And last year there was more than 38 percent growth," Putin said.
He reminded that Russia and Iran are implementing large projects. "Work is going on in very many directions," the Russian president continued.
He thanked Raisi for taking the time to come to Moscow even though the pandemic is still ongoing. Putin added that he was in constant contact with the Iranian president. "Of course, neither video conferences nor telephone conversations can replace at least this, but personal communication," he remarked.
The talks between the two presidents are taking place in the Kremlin's Catherine Hall, but the epidemiological situation has put its mark on the usual protocol: Putin and Raisi were seated at a large oval table in the center of the hall, a few meters apart from each other.
Raisi officially took office as president of Iran on August 5 last year, winning more than 60 percent of the vote. This was his first visit to Russia, and Raisi and Putin have communicated several times over the past months by phone.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS