Russian President: "Iranian President to Visit Russia in January... Visit Date Being Coordinated"

Seeking to Strengthen Russia Relations Amid Ongoing Concerns Over US Sanctions
Discussions Expected on Financial Agreements, Trade Relations Enhancement, and Arms Purchases

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] The Russian government announced that Ebrahim Raisi, the President of Iran, will visit Russia this month, drawing international attention. Discussions are expected to continue on various issues between the two countries, including the currently stalled negotiations to restore the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), trade, and arms exports.

According to Russia's TASS news agency on the 12th (local time), Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, stated at a press briefing that "the visit of President Raisi to Russia this month is being coordinated between the two countries, and once the date is set, it will be announced within an appropriate timeframe." Earlier, Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that Raisi's visit to Russia was under discussion, raising expectations within and outside Russia that the visit schedule would soon be officially announced.

If President Raisi's visit to Russia materializes, it is expected that discussions related to the restoration of the Iran nuclear deal, which is currently at a standstill, will be actively conducted. The negotiations resumed at the end of November last year, but direct bilateral talks between the U.S. and Iran have not taken place due to their opposing positions, with Russia and European countries acting as mediators.

Alongside the Iran nuclear deal restoration negotiations, various issues such as trade and arms exports between Russia and Iran are also expected to be discussed. IRNA reported, "Russia currently plays the role of a diplomatic sponsor in the Iran nuclear deal restoration negotiations, making the bilateral relationship important," adding, "In addition to diplomatic relations, economic cooperation to counter U.S. sanctions and issues related to the import of Russia's missile defense system, the S-400, may also be raised."

Due to U.S. sanctions blocking dollar transactions, Iran has been unable to properly export crude oil to the market and has mainly conducted trade with China through yuan transactions or spot trades. It is known that Iran plans to expand trade with Russia through strengthening trade relations and financial agreements in preparation for a possible breakdown in negotiations with the U.S.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.