Cooperation between Iran and Russia in the military sphere is entirely legitimate and will persist, regardless of the desires of Tehran's and Moscow's adversaries, stated Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov during his visit to the Islamic republic.
"This cooperation is entirely legitimate and will endure despite the desires of Iran's and Russia's adversaries," he informed the Fars News Agency in response to questions regarding the military collaboration between the two nations. "We hold the right to enhance our military cooperation, and the military departments of both nations are engaged in close collaboration," he further stated.
Ryabkov also highlighted that the relationship between Russia and Iran is advancing across numerous domains, and "the nations should strive for further collaboration." As per the Russian deputy foreign minister, significant headway has been achieved concerning transportation corridors and the reduction of trade tariffs.
Ryabkov also extended an invitation to his Iranian counterpart, Ali Bagheri, to visit Moscow. He mentioned that they engaged in a "productive exchange of perspectives concerning matters pertaining to Iran's nuclear program." The conversation also broached the subject of Iran's inclusion in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). "The day will come when Iran assumes full membership within BRICS," Ryabkov asserted, although he acknowledged the uncertainty of the exact timing for the republic's entry into the association. He explained, "We, along with the BRICS nations, are in the process of reviewing the protocols for admitting fresh members to the consortium, a topic that will be addressed at the forthcoming summit in Johannesburg."
The BRICS summit is scheduled to take place from August 22 to 24 in Johannesburg, under the chairmanship of South Africa. Naledi Pandor, the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, previously stated that the BRICS leaders will deliberate on the topic of the organization's enlargement during the summit. She revealed that 23 countries have officially applied for membership in the association. Additionally, on August 8, a conference focusing on Iran's collaboration with BRICS will be held in Tehran.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS