Russian ambassador to Tehran: EAEU agreement will begin soon

reports How do you evaluate the current bilateral business situation between Russia and Iran? Given that countries have almost completely settled in national currencies, what are the prospects for the next few years?

trade between Russia and Iran in general has a positive dynamics, but it’s too early to talk about its full capacity. The volume of bilateral trade in Russia and Iran is expected to increase by about 2 percent compared to year 2 (which was US $ 1.5 billion). We expect the latest motivation for these processes to be created through a Russian-Iranian permanent commission meeting for trade and economic cooperation planned for the coming months and this time in Russia. We expect the volume of bilateral trade to grow further at the end of this year.

Creating a joint independent infrastructure for payments and transfer to bilateral settlements in national currencies in Article 2 of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was signed on January 1. Countries have almost completely settled in national currencies using their own financial and banking messaging systems. Russia has begun accepting Iranian payment system cards. It is expected to launch Mir cards in Iran in the near future. All of these measures will undoubtedly have a positive impact on business and economic relations between our countries, make it easier to operate business operations and expand business cooperation.

on December 5, Iran won the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and is expected to be implemented soon. How do you think this agreement will facilitate Iran’s trade relations with the member states of this union?

The Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Iran was approved by the Iranian Supervisory Council on March 5. Thanks to this, we can talk about the beginning of its implementation in a very near future. The Eurasia Economic Union today is a market with a population of 5 million, providing preferential conditions for importing goods, simplified customs practices and easy technical regulations. The same applies to the Iranian market for exporters from the Eurasian Economic Union member states. This is a completely useful reciprocal story that is in line with the interests of the people.

How can a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty by Russian and Iranian presidents affect the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of culture, science and education?

It is important that these documents have emphasized the development of long-term and constructive relationships in higher education, science and technology. The partnership relations are established between the educational institutions of the two countries, the joint scientific, technical and research projects are implemented, and specialized seminars, conferences and exhibitions are held.

, therefore, this agreement confirms the current ambitious situation of relationships, and on the other hand, determines the dynamics needed to make more productive cooperation in the cultural, scientific and educational fields.

According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the construction of second and third units of Bushehr nuclear power plant is one of the priority areas in Moscow-Tehran. Is there a plan to execute other joint projects, including in the energy sector?

are actually projects related to peaceful nuclear energy, including the construction of the second and third units of the Bushehr nuclear power plant. There are also collaborations in the field of medical isotopes, and our country supports Iranian friends in advanced medical development and provides access to advanced methods of diagnosing and treating various diseases. This enhances the level of treatment of patients.

I would like to refer to the strategic understanding signed in June between Russian and Iranian gas companies, which is about organizing the supply of Russian natural gas pipeline to Iran. There are currently active work to implement this project. Russia is also involved in the development of Iranian oil fields.

Among the initiatives in other areas include the North-South International Transport Corridor and the construction of Rasht-Astara Railway as part of its western branch.

in year 2, Russian and Iranian officials began exchange of visa-free tourism between the two countries for tourist groups. Is there a plan to expand visa -free traffic to other groups of passengers?

Currently, visa-free travel regulations are applying for tourist groups including 1 to 2 people. There are still no detailed designs for the expansion of passengers. In general, the mutual flow of tourists between the two countries increased by 2 percent in the year. There was a significant increase in the number of Iranian tourists in Russia (6,000, ie, 5 percent more than similar indicators in year 2). Meanwhile, 6,000 Russian tourists traveled to Iran. About 6,000 Iranians entered our country through a visa -free travel mechanism, and the number of Russian tourists was in the photo. The electronic visa format is also open for Iranians, through which more than 6,000 people arrived in Russia last year.

How do you evaluate Brix’s role in strengthening Russian-Iranian relations?

Brix is ​​an important international platform for working with Iranian partners. The values ​​of this structure, including respect for international law, the sovereignty of governments, and mutual interests, the recognition of the undeniable right of each country to choose the path of its development, as well as solidarity and mutual assistance, are completely divided by Moscow and Tehran.

Our Iranian friends have repeatedly expressed their interest in collaborating on the innovative and knowledgeable sectors of the economy and their readiness to share their expertise in specific areas. We fully support them.