Meeting with Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi

Beginning of conversation with the Foreign Minister of Iran

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Minister, friends, allow me to warmly welcome you, this time to St Petersburg.

At the beginning of our conversation, I would like to note that last week I received a message from the Supreme Leader of Iran. I would ask you to convey my sincere gratitude for it and to confirm that Russia, just like Iran, intends to maintain our strategic relations. Please convey to the Supreme Leader my appreciation for his message and my best wishes for his good health and well-being.

We see how courageously and heroically the Iranian people are fighting for their independence and sovereignty. And, of course, we very much hope that, relying on this courage and determination for independence, the Iranian people, under the leadership of their new leader, will go through this difficult period of trials and that peace will come.

For our part, we will do everything that meets your interests and the interests of all peoples in the region in order to ensure that this peace is achieved as quickly as possible. You are well aware of our position.

Welcome.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Abbas Araghchi (retranslated): Mr President, I am very glad to be meeting with you in the beautiful city of St Petersburg.

I would also like to express my gratitude for the condolences you conveyed regarding the martyrdom of our late Supreme Leader, and also for the fact that you immediately sent congratulations on the election of the new leader.

The Supreme Leader, as well as Mr Pezeshkian, our President, asked me to convey to you their best and warmest wishes.

I have been asked, during this visit, to confirm that Iran-Russia relations are regarded by us as a strategic partnership at the highest level, and that we will continue along this path. Regardless of everything that is happening, Iran-Russia relations will continue to grow stronger.

As you rightly noted, it has been proven to the whole world that the Iranian people, through their resistance and courage, were able to withstand American attacks and aggression, and will endure and stand firm during this period. It has also been proven to everyone that Iran has friends and allies such as the Russian Federation, who stand by Iran in difficult times. We are grateful to you for your firm and strong positions in support of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

I decided, during my first foreign visit after these events, to come to the Russian Federation and to brief you on all the developments that have taken place.

I am sincerely grateful to you for taking time to meet with me.

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