Ali-Mohammad Mousavi, deputy oil minister for international and commercial affairs, said Tehran considers the session a chance to record progress in delegation talks and to draft a joint document. He spoke at the opening ceremony of the commission, thanking the delegations from Iran and Russia for their participation.

Mousavi said relations between Iran and Russia are based on mutual respect, shared interests and aligned views on regional and international developments, adding that ties have expanded in recent years in a constructive trajectory.

He noted growing cooperation across sectors including energy, trade, transportation, science and technology, describing the commission as an effective platform to translate agreements into operational projects and measurable outcomes.

As organizer of the commission, the Oil Ministry is focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in all fields, promoting balanced economic ties, increasing private-sector participation, removing trade barriers and developing joint projects, Mousavi said. He added that Iran is fully prepared to work with the Russian side to implement previous agreements and introduce new initiatives.

Most of 18th Commission Decisions Underway

Mousavi said deepening relations requires mutual trust and rigorous follow-up, noting that 193 provisions were agreed at the 18th commission and that assessments show more than 75% are now under implementation.

He said the two sides have held numerous in-person and virtual meetings between commissions to track earlier commitments and identify obstacles. The new document, he emphasized, is not ceremonial, includes clear timelines and assigns executive responsibilities to both sides.

Specialized meetings will be held today and Tuesday across 16 working groups, Mousavi said. A limited meeting of commission heads, followed by a plenary session, is scheduled for Wednesday.

 Monitoring System Launched

Mousavi announced the launch—on a trial basis—of a monitoring system designed to track decisions and agreements of the joint commission, which he said will also facilitate drafting and finalizing the 19th commission’s document.

Addressing the working groups, he called for serious and in-depth negotiations marked by constructive flexibility and respect for differing views, adding that transparency about constraints and expectations and a long-term outlook are essential for durable decisions and future development.

He concluded by thanking the Russian delegation, domestic agencies and the secretariats of both countries for their efforts in implementing the 18th commission’s decisions and organizing the current session.