Russian FM issues statement on Araghchi-Lavrov meeting Wed.

On December 17 in Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, the statement noted.

The two top foreign diplomats will continue their regular and trust-based exchange of opinions on a broad range of matters pertaining to Russian-Iranian relations that have reached a new level with the entry into force of the Treaty of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on October 2, 2025.

The two foreign ministers will also review topical matters on the bilateral agenda with a focus on implementing the agreements reached at the highest level, including the meetings between President Vladimir Putin and President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian on December 12, 2025, in Ashgabat, and on September 1, 2025, in Tianjin.

Considering preparations for the 19th meeting of the Russian-Iranian Permanent Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation scheduled to take place in February 2026 in Iran, the two ministers will pay special attention to stepping up bilateral trade and the practical aspects of large joint projects in energy and transport.

The ministers will exchange opinions on key international topics, including the crisis around the Iranian nuclear program triggered by the West, which could have a negative bearing on regional stability and security.

They will also compare notes on the latest developments in the region, including the current situation in West Asia, South Caucasus, the Caspian region and Afghanistan.

Russia and Iran are bound by shared views regarding the majority of global challenges. They share a commitment to building a genuinely democratic and just world order based on the universally recognized principles of international law, multilateralism, equal and indivisible security, mutually beneficial and equal cooperation between states; as well as their strategic choice in favor of pursuing an independent foreign policy and resolve to oppose external pressure and dictate.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Moscow on Tuesday in continuation of a series of intensive regional and international consultations to hold talks with his Russian counterpart and other officials.

MNA