The ambassador contributed an article to the Russian newspaper Izvestia ahead of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Russia.
Below is an English translation of an article published in Russian by Izvestia on January 15th.
Current world events clearly demonstrate that the world system is undergoing a structural transition from a unipolar to a multipolar order, with alliances and conflicts at both bilateral and multilateral levels. You can see that it’s a complex mix. These dynamics, combined with the fact that more elections were held last year than at any time in modern history, increase the likelihood of geopolitical surprises in 2025.
The era of “American-style globalization” is ending due to outbreaks of large-scale armed conflicts, trade wars, crimes against humanity, genocide, refugee and displaced population complexes, environmental issues, economic instability, health, energy, and food issues. We welcomed. Undoubtedly, the historical shifts in power geographies brought about by geoeconomic causes will have far-reaching political consequences in various aspects of the future world order.
In such an international environment, Western-style multilateral institutions such as NATO, WTO, IMF, and World Bank cannot function effectively. But in a world of rapid geopolitical events, the countries that succeed are those that can build cooperation in ways that protect them from potential harm. This could include cultural, environmental, scientific and technological fields, as well as economic, political and defense agreements.
Against this background, the desire to establish a legal, practical and long-term basis for future cooperation between Iran and Russia, called the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, is based on the complex and changing global situation. It shows the deep understanding of the elites in both countries. . Prior to this, Tehran and Moscow signed a similar agreement on March 12, 2001, namely the Treaty on the Fundamentals of Relations and Principles of Cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation. Currently, Iran adheres to a balanced approach in its foreign policy, which is reflected in its rational interactions with partners in the world, especially in Asia, and its emphasis on the “Look East” strategy. In light of this, the Iranian government has moved beyond attempts to cooperate only with the West and has made the rising East a subject of special interest and interaction. Multilateral cooperation with major powers such as Russia, China, and India, and constructive and active engagement with new regional and international organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are important. This is a great step. Toward securing Iran’s national interests and redefining Iran’s place in the world order.
Through multilateral diplomacy and cooperation with Asian partners, Iran has not only resisted Western repressive pressure, but also created opportunities to renew and make the world order more just. This is evidenced by the numerous meetings between Iranian and Russian officials last year, as well as Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian’s official visit to Moscow scheduled for January 17th.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Iran and Russia is an important step in strengthening bilateral relations. The two countries will enter a new phase of cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, transportation, energy, environmental protection, technology and medicine. Therefore, this agreement is a turning point in Iran-Russia relations and represents a roadmap to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields.
It is worth noting that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement to some extent complements, clarifies and updates the previous agreement of 2001, taking into account the environmental conditions and the level and scale of relations between the two countries. In the face of common international challenges, the new agreement will have a particularly significant impact on the economy, trade, transport and energy.
One of the central pillars of this partnership is an agreement to implement joint plans between the two countries to develop the International North-South Transport Corridor and build the Rasht-Astara Railway. This is an important infrastructure project that will facilitate and enhance trade between Iran, Russia, and several regional and international partners (such as India). These strategic investments in trade and transportation networks demonstrate Tehran and Moscow’s intention to strengthen trade relations and ensure mutual benefits in the coming years, as well as wisely resist US-led Western sanctions. .
Another central issue of cooperation in the energy field is the export of Russian gas to Iran. In the context of sanctions restricting access to Western markets, both countries are exploring alternative ways to strengthen their energy sectors, including regional and global markets.
In addition to bilateral relations, exchanges between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union have also entered a new phase. At the recent EAEU summit held in Russia on December 26, union members decided to grant observer status to Iran. This decision, along with the Iran-EAEU Free Trade Agreement, paves the way for expanded economic cooperation between Iran and the five EAEU member states. According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, the Russian government expects the free trade agreement to come into force in 2025.
International relations analysts believe that the strategic rivalry between the United States, China, and Russia will become the most important element in modern international relations.
In this context, the main challenge and threat to the United States will be the growing proximity between Iran, Russia, and China. From the perspective of American elites, Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing will combine their economic, diplomatic, military, and technological might in the medium term to strategically challenge the Western-centered world order and challenge the state system. It could make a difference in construction. An order based on multipolarity, justice, and democracy.
Relations between Iran and Russia are currently on a positive trajectory. These are based on two key elements: a common approach to regional and global political phenomena, and security and the fight against terrorism. It is clear that the closeness of Tehran and Moscow and the subsequent formation of new regional partnerships, especially the participation of other emerging Asian powers, will contribute to strengthening multipolarity at the global level.
This is a direct and serious contradiction to the interests and demands of the new US administration, which has introduced the slogan “America First”. In other words, unilateralism and world domination are being pushed to the fore. As a result, relations between Tehran and Moscow have grown beyond mere economic exchanges to a comprehensive strategic partnership that reflects the two countries’ common interests in regional stability and countering Western influence. Contrary to Western media propaganda, the content of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Iran and Russia is solely based on the development of bilateral relations and regional and international cooperation, and is not directed towards any third party. It’s not something that was created. The desire of countries for close cooperation in the field of security and defense confirms their readiness to ensure security and combat terrorism at regional and global levels.
In recent years, economic cooperation between Iran and Russia has gradually increased. The level of trade turnover has increased. Trade volumes between the two countries have increased over the past three years, especially due to exports of Iranian products to Russia.
According to Russian statistics, total trade between Iran and Russia in 2022 reached a record high of $4.7 billion. Iran’s exports in 2023 increased by 15.8% to $1.3 billion. According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, trade between the two countries in the first nine months of 2024 increased by 14.7% year-on-year, reaching $3.3 billion. Official trade volume in 2024 is expected to be between $4.5 billion and $5 billion. Therefore, the 15 percent increase in trade between Iran and Russia and the implementation of the free trade agreement with the EAEU indicate the expansion of economic relations between the two countries. As a result, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Iran and Russia could lead to deepening economic cooperation and increasing mutual trade volumes in the coming years.
In conclusion, today Iran relies on its huge capabilities and balanced, positive and constructive interactions with other emerging independent powers of the world to create the necessary conditions for Iran’s transition to a bright future. I must say that I prepared everything. Living in a multipolar and just world, the Iranian people reject any form of hegemony or subordination.
SD/TSN
