Shorouk Express
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 12. Iranian
Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, announced on Saturday that the
new comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Iran and
Russia explicitly includes respect for each other’s territorial
integrity, Trend
reports.
During an interview with Iranian media, Jalali emphasized, “We
expect our partner countries to respect our territorial integrity,”
highlighting that this commitment is clearly outlined in Article
Three of the agreement which is poised to be signed later this
month.
Revealing new details about the upcoming agreement, Ambassador
Jalali stated that it comprises a preamble and 47 articles.
It is due to succeed the comprehensive cooperation agreement
signed in 2001, which was ratified by the Iranian Parliament,
expired in 2021, and was extended until 2026.
“Today’s relations have significantly expanded compared to 24
years ago, necessitating an update,” Jalali noted.
According to the ambassador, Iran prepared the draft, and after
consultations and revisions with Russia, finalized it over
approximately three years.
Jalali highlighted the extensive reach of the agreement, noting
that in addition to emphasizing territorial integrity, it
encompasses political and economic interactions, regional
initiatives, and both bilateral and multilateral efforts.
Additionally, the agreement addresses energy cooperation,
reflecting the significant energy resources of both nations.
When questioned about the similarity between this agreement and
Russia’s recent security pacts with Belarus and North Korea, Jalali
clarified, “This agreement is different; Russia has defined
partnerships in certain areas with those countries that we are not
deeply involved in.”
He stressed Iran’s commitment to independence and self-reliance,
stating, “We are not keen on entering into bloc politics.”
Jalali concluded by noting that the agreement would be submitted
to the Iranian Parliament for approval, following the process
adopted in 2001.
This contrasts with the Iran-China 25-year agreement, signed in
2021, which was not subject to parliamentary approval, making the
pact with Russia notably different in terms of legislative
oversight and public disclosure.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to visit Russia
on January 17 to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin
and other high-ranking officials to sign the Comprehensive
Strategic Partnership Agreement, further solidifying the ties
between the two nations.
