Hassan Abbaszadeh spoke on Thursday during Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad’s visit to Russia for the 18th meeting of the Iran-Russia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission. He said, "In recent years, strong petrochemical collaboration with Russia has led to a notable increase in exports to the country."

Abbaszadeh noted that over $250 million worth of petrochemical products were exported to Russia last year, calling it a sign of positive growth in bilateral relations.

He added that Iranian petrochemical companies have successfully introduced themselves and secured a solid market position in Russia by participating in specialized exhibitions. This engagement is part of broader cooperation facilitated by the joint commission and supported by financial infrastructure and trade incentives.

Abbaszadeh emphasized that the oil minister’s visit could further develop infrastructure, particularly in transport and rail corridors, to ease product movement. He also highlighted the upcoming reduction in customs tariffs between the two countries, a measure backed by Russia’s first deputy prime minister, which will further streamline Iranian petrochemical exports.

Referring to Iran’s accession to the free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, Abbaszadeh said the new trade treaty with Russia creates favorable conditions for Iranian petrochemical firms to expand their presence in Russia and member states.

As Iran is now an observer member of the union and the formal treaty has been signed, he stressed the need for a strategic plan to optimize opportunities—especially given existing export capacities and development goals under the Seventh Development Plan.

Abbaszadeh expressed hope that these efforts would diversify and stabilize Iran’s export markets, praising ongoing energy diplomacy initiatives.