WEBDESK - NAYADAUR
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Thursday in Turkmenistan to discuss strengthening bilateral economic and strategic cooperation, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of regional summits in the Avaza National Tourist Zone on the Caspian Sea coast, where Putin is attending a two-day visit focused on regional cooperation.
The two presidents reviewed progress in relations between Moscow and Tehran and discussed ways to accelerate joint projects in several key sectors, including energy, agriculture, transportation and trade.
Both sides stressed the importance of completing existing projects and expanding comprehensive cooperation in line with their national interests and regional stability.
Putin pledges continued support for Tehran
The meeting comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows a phone conversation between Putin and Pezeshkian on Wednesday.
During their recent discussions, Putin reiterated Moscow's readiness to support diplomatic efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts and tensions.
Putin has previously described the US-Iran ceasefire as “unstable and too fragile,” while pledging continued Russian support for Tehran.
The Russian and Iranian presidents had also met in person on Sept. 1 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Their latest meeting highlights the continued importance both countries place on deepening strategic coordination as they face growing geopolitical and economic pressure.
Energy and trade remain key areas
Energy remains one of the most important areas of cooperation between Russia and Iran, while transportation and trade links have gained greater significance as both countries seek to strengthen regional economic connections.
The two sides have repeatedly emphasized developing joint infrastructure and transportation projects that could improve trade links between Russia, Iran, and other countries in the region.
Agriculture was also among the sectors discussed during Thursday's meeting, reflecting efforts to broaden bilateral ties beyond energy and security cooperation.
Regional leaders gather in Turkmenistan
Putin arrived in Turkmenistan on Thursday to attend two major regional meetings: the Commonwealth of Independent States leaders' summit and the Caspian Sea environmental summit.
The Caspian summit brings together the five countries bordering the Caspian Sea — Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan.
The meeting is focused primarily on environmental cooperation and issues affecting the Caspian region.
The CIS summit, meanwhile, is expected to address cooperation among member states as well as regional and international developments.
Putin's meeting with Pezeshkian comes as Moscow and Tehran continue to strengthen their partnership, with both countries seeking closer economic, political, and strategic coordination amid a rapidly changing regional and international landscape.