Iranian President Meets Putin in Moscow, Stating: 'Solving Challenges Without U.S. Reliance'

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Russia yesterday, local time (the 27th), and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss regional affairs and the expansion of bilateral cooperation, according to foreign media outlets including Iran's state-run Press TV, Xinhua, and RIA Novosti.

According to foreign media, President Pezeshkian met with President Putin on the sidelines of the 8th Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) summit held in Moscow that day.

During the meeting, he urged that unilateral U.S. actions have heightened the need to promote multilateralism and expand exchanges among countries facing Western sanctions.

In particular, he emphasized that "regional countries have the capability and determination to resolve their pressing challenges without relying on the United States."

President Pezeshkian also expressed gratitude for Russia's support on political and economic issues, signaling his intention to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across scientific, economic, industrial, cultural, security, and military sectors.

This visit took place amid worsening conflicts in the Middle East and as Russia continues to forge closer ties with Iran.

The two leaders previously held two rounds of talks on the sidelines of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit and Caspian Sea environment summit held in Turkmenistan on the 9th.

In response, President Putin noted that trade volume between Russia and Iran increased by 10.4% during the first eight months of this year compared to the same period last year.

He stated that the construction of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, being undertaken by Russia's state-run corporation Rosatom, is proceeding smoothly and that Russia is fulfilling all commitments regarding joint projects with Iran.

President Putin added that he hopes the situation in the Middle East will move in a positive direction.

According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, prior to his meeting with President Putin, President Pezeshkian met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss expanding bilateral relations and ways to cooperate in the energy sector.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.