Mohsen Paknejad said Wednesday at a news conference following the commission meeting that the session was held and the final document, along with the understandings reached, was signed.

He said specialized working groups, after intensive and lengthy meetings, were able to prepare the final document. “This joint commission provides a path for us to use the vast capacities for cooperation, particularly in the economic sphere between Iran and Russia, and to follow up on agreements,” he said.

Outcome of 19th meeting ‘significant’ at sensitive juncture

Paknejad said the understandings finalized at the meeting marked “a shift from agreements to implementation,” calling it “a significant achievement at this sensitive juncture and under current international conditions.”

He said the progress would not have been possible without the constructive cooperation and persistent follow-up by Russia’s energy minister and his colleagues across various sectors. Paknejad thanked them for facilitating progress in finalizing agreements and removing obstacles in areas of mutual interest.

He said Iran and Russia have high potential for cooperation but added that “much work remains” to make optimal use of those capacities for the national interests of both countries. He cited energy and the development of oil and gas fields, as well as finance, banking, transportation, agriculture, education, standards and other sectors, as areas with potential for major projects.

Gas imports from Russia near final stages

On gas imports from Russia, Paknejad said negotiations are nearing completion, with “one or two clauses” remaining. He said those could be finalized in focused meetings and that a final contract could be signed soon.

Responding to a question about whether Iran needs gas imports, Paknejad said the country’s gas production capacity has increased significantly since the start of the 14th administration. He said a record daily withdrawal of 730 million cubic meters of gas was registered Tuesday from the South Pars joint field, calling it “an unprecedented record.”

Despite the increase, Paknejad said Iran continues to pursue gas imports from Russia due to a persistent imbalance in gas supply and demand.