MOSCOW, March 24. /TASS/. Positive developments in Russia-US relations will in no way impact Moscow’s collaboration with Tehran, former Russian Ambassador to Iran Alexander Maryasov said.
"Progress in Russia-US relations can in no way impact the important fact that we need to boost bilateral ties with Iran, addressing the existing issues and previous errors," he pointed out at the Valdai International Discussion Club’s debate on the Russian-Iranian Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The ex-ambassador noted that the newly signed treaty on Russia-Iran cooperation would bring bilateral relations to a new stage. "The treaty is actually a blueprint for the development of our collaboration in almost all fields," the diplomat observed.
"The treaty does not mean a military alliance but still, it formalizes a set of measures acceptable for both parties, which can be taken in case of an attack on or an act of aggression against one of the parties, as well as in case of a threat to the national security of both countries," he elaborated.
Maryasov remarked that the document included "serious agreements" in the field of defense, including "an understanding of the need to prevent external forces from penetrating into the Caspian Sea region, and counter the activities of certain states in the South Caucasus and Central Asian countries."
According to Maryasov, Russia has also been successfully adopting Iran’s experience related to domestic production and parallel imports, "especially in the oil sector." "The treaty highlights the need to give a stronger boost to trade, economic and investment relations, which is lagging behind our military-economic partnership in terms of its pace, size and scale," the former envoy added.
Russia-Iran treaty
President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries in Moscow on January 17. The document provides the legal framework for the long-term development of relations between Moscow and Tehran. It designates Russia and Iran as strategic partners, and covers all areas, including defense, the fight against terrorism, the energy sector, finances, transportation, industries, agriculture, culture, science and technology.