Mostafa Barzegar spoke on Wednesday at the official opening ceremony of the 18th Iran-Russia Economic Cooperation Commission meeting.

He thanked the Russian Energy Agency for hosting the event, stating that the scope of comprehensive cooperation between Iran and Russia has expanded, particularly after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement.

Barzegar noted that the free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasia is clear, long-term and strategic. He added that the path for strategic cooperation between the two countries in various fields is more open than ever and should be pursued seriously.

As head of the energy working group at the Iran-Russia Economic Cooperation Commission, he said the 18th meeting provides a suitable opportunity for consultations, collaboration and operationalizing joint efforts.

Barzegar emphasized that cooperation in upstream oil and gas industries, accelerating the Iran-Gazprom memorandum of understanding, establishing Iran as a gas hub, gas trade and petrochemical collaboration are key areas of bilateral energy relations.

Other discussion topics at the 18th meeting include joint projects in peaceful nuclear energy, activating the International North-South Transport Corridor to maximize existing capacities, developing transport infrastructure, expanding banking and trade cooperation, and strengthening agricultural collaboration, including the supply of essential goods.

Expert meetings of the 18th Joint Economic Cooperation Commission between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation began Wednesday in Moscow at the Russian Energy Agency.