Adviser to the Russian President
Anton Kobyakov held a meeting in Moscow with the Ambassador of the Islamic
Republic of Iran to the Russian Federation Kazem Jalali. The meeting focused on
an Iranian delegation’s participation in the St. Petersburg International
Economic Forum on 2–5 June 2021 and
practical opportunities to bolster bilateral cooperation.
«This year’s SPIEF will be the
largest international business event since the start of the coronavirus
pandemic. The Iranian business community’s active involvement both in
international events and in joint Russian-Iranian projects is an indicator of
the interest in developing practical bilateral cooperation. We must improve the
mechanisms of economic interaction between our countries and intensify business
contacts,» said Anton Kobyakov.
Since 2016, the Iranian agenda
has consistently been part of the SPIEF programme. At SPIEF 2021, the Iranian
delegation will be headed by Iranian Minister of Energy and Co-Chair of the
Permanent Russian-Iranian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic
Cooperation Reza Ardakanian.
A project business office will be
established based on a previously signed cooperation agreement between the
Roscongress Foundation and the Iranian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in an
effort to further develop trade and economic relations between the countries.
In addition, the Roscongress Foundation and the Iranian Chamber of Cooperatives
in Russia plan to sign a cooperation agreement at SPIEF 2021.
Jalali confirmed that Iran is
highly interested in strengthening all-round cooperation: «Even though last
year was rather difficult for the economies of all countries, we managed to
achieve certain success in partnership with Russia. Iranian exports to Russia soared by
105%, trade turnover increased by 43%, and we hope that such positive dynamics
in the economy will continue in the future. We are interested in building up
cooperation in trade and highly appreciate the opportunities that the St.
Petersburg International Economic Forum offers for the participants.»
Kobyakov and Jalali also
discussed Iran’s participation in other forums, including the Caspian Economic
Forum, as well as issues concerning cooperation between Russia and Iran in
combatting coronavirus. Iran was one of the first countries to register
Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine on its territory. In April 2021, the Russian Direct
Investment Fund (RDIF) and the Iranian Ministry of Health signed an agreement
on the supply of more than 60 million doses of the Russian coronavirus vaccine.
The countries previously agreed to jointly produce the vaccine in Iran.
