According to a report released by IRNA, the Minister of Petroleum as the head of the Iran-Russia Economic Cooperation Joint Commission met today in Moscow with Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Alexandre Novak who leaves the joint commission as the head of the Russian side.

During the meeting which held at Russian Prime Minister Office in Moscow in the presence of Igor Levitin Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation and  Sergei Tsivilev Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation; Iranian Minister of Petroleum praised the Novak’s efforts during his 3 years of presence at the joint commission, expressing Iranian side readiness for continuation of bilateral cooperation with the Sergei Tsivilev who took over the post as head of Russian side of the joint commission.   

During the meeting, in which Iranian ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali attended as well, Owji said that during the 13th administration under the leadership of Martyr Raisi, he provided the basis for expanding bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries adding “that process will be consolidated by relying on those basics including implementation of the signed bilateral contracts.”

Owji also expressed his appreciations for the deep sympathy expressed by Russian President Veladimir Putin and other Russian officials on death of Iranian president Ibrahim Raisi, announcing that Raisi made relentless efforts to expand relations with the neighboring countries as well as other independent countries like Russia which resulted in developing and consolidating bilateral relations.  

In his turn, Alexander Novak announced that Moscow was determined to continue cooperation with Iran, stressing on sooner implementation of the already signed contracts.

Restating his condolences for Raisi death, he said: Russia is determined to continue the path Iranian and Russian presidents laid for reinforcing bilateral relations.

The two sides held talks about a variety of subjects concerning bilateral relations including speeding up completion of North-South Corridor which includes Rasht-Astara Railroad. The railroad construction Mou , was signed in April 2023.