Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI)

On October 23, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was received in Tehran by President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, and held talks with Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of the 3+3 Consultative Regional Platform for the South Caucasus (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Russia, and Türkiye).

In a traditionally trustful atmosphere, the parties had a detailed discussion of the relevant issues on the bilateral agenda with a focus on further boosting the entire complex of the multifaceted Russia-Iran partnership in accordance with agreements between the President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Ebrahim Raisi. Special emphasis was placed on the implementation of joint projects in energy and logistics, including the launch of the North-South international transport corridor.

The parties praised the high intensity of contacts at the levels of the governments, parliaments, agencies and regions, as well as how contacts between business circles have improved.

The Iranian party expressed its appreciation for Russia’s active role in making decisions to grant Iran full membership in the SCO and BRICS. The parties also noted mutual intent to bring contribute constructively to the progressive development of these associations through close interaction in all areas across the board.

The parties noted the need for further coordination between the Russian and Iranian foreign ministries on regional issues, including the normalisation of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as developments in Afghanistan, Syria, and the Caspian agenda.

When talking about the escalation of the Palestine-Israel conflict, the parties noted the need for an immediate ceasefire and the unacceptability of civilian casualties.

They underscored the two states’ firm position on rejecting the West’s practice to use illegitimate unilateral sanctions designed to undermine the normal functioning of the global economy.

When discussing the situation related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in relation to the Iranian nuclear programme, the parties condemned the steps taken by Western members, which contradict Resolution 2231 of the UN Security Council. They pointed out that the relevant international agreement of 2015 has no alternatives.

Additional steps to improve Russia-Iran ties were agreed upon.

During the second meeting of the 3+3 Consultative Regional Platform, the parties had a detailed and constructive discussion on development prospects for cooperation between the countries in the region. They noted large potential for promoting multifaceted interaction, including in trade, economic, transport, logistics, cultural, and humanitarian areas.

Following the meeting, the Joint Communique of the Member States was adopted (to be published later).

In addition, on the sidelines of the meeting, Sergey Lavrov had short conversations with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, and Foreign Minister of Türkiye Hakan Fidan, during which they discussed relevant issues on the bilateral and regional agenda.