Alexey Kulapin spoke Wednesday at the official opening of the 18th meeting of the Iran-Russia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission. Welcoming attendees, he said the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran are dynamically progressing and share common views on global issues.

He added that as bilateral cooperation grows, the roles of Iran and Russia in enhancing economic capacity and regional stability in the Caspian Sea, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East will strengthen.

Kulapin emphasized the upward trajectory of Iran-Russia economic collaboration and the importance of increased dialogue to solidify bilateral relations.

Noting that bilateral interactions in various economic sectors will continue to develop, he said trade between the two countries rose by more than 13% following last year’s memorandums of understanding. He also confirmed that the free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Iran will take effect May 15, 2025, paving the way for expanded trade and cooperation in other sectors.

Kulapin expressed hope that the 18th meeting of the Iran-Russia Economic Cooperation Commission would yield productive discussions and lead to the signing of new cooperation agreements.

Expert sessions of the 18th Joint Economic Commission between Iran and Russia began Wednesday morning in Moscow at the Russian Energy Agency. Specialized working groups from both countries convened to explore avenues for further collaboration.

Following two days of talks, the expert delegations will present multiple cooperation documents for signing to Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and Russia’s Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov, who co-chair the joint commission.

The final session for signing agreements across various sectors will take place Friday at the President Hotel of Moscow, attended by Iran’s oil minister and Russia’s energy minister.