INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN Iranian Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, announced on Saturday that the brand-new thorough strategic collaboration agreement
between Iran and Russia clearly consists of regard for each others territorial integrity.During an interview with an Iranian news company,
Jalali emphasized, We anticipate our partner nations to appreciate our territorial integrity, highlighting that this dedication is plainly
described in Article Three of the contract which is poised to be signed later this month.This stipulation highlights the importance of
keeping sovereign rights and national independence, which was absent in the 2001 arrangement in between Tehran and Moscow.This peace of mind
follows numerous years of worrying remarks by Russian authorities regarding 3 Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf
In July 2023, a statement launched throughout a Russia-Persian Gulf Cooperation Council meeting appeared to question Irans sovereignty over
theislands of Abu Musa, and theGreaterand Lesser Tunbs
This right away triggered Iran to summon the Russian ambassador for a quick diplomatic response.Concerns even more heightened in December
2023 when Russia appeared to back the UAEs unwarranted claims during the 6th Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum, setting off strong objections
from Iranian officials.They reiterated Irans indisputable right to these territories, with the late Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian
and other prominent figures in Tehran affirming the islands historic and legal status as integral parts of Iran.A brand-new era of
cooperationRevealing new information about the upcoming contract, Ambassador Jalali stated that it comprises a preamble and 47 articles.It
is due to be successful the extensive cooperation arrangement signed in 2001, which was ratified by the Iranian Parliament, ended in 2021,
and was extended up until 2026
Todays relations have actually significantly broadened compared to 24 years back, necessitating an update, Jalali noted.According to the
ambassador, Iran prepared the draft, and after consultations and modifications with Russia, settled it over roughly three years.Jalali
highlighted the substantial reach of the contract, noting that in addition to highlighting territorial stability, it incorporates political
and financial interactions, regional efforts, and both bilateral and multilateral efforts.Additionally, the arrangement addresses energy
cooperation, reflecting the substantial energy resources of both nations.When questioned about the resemblance between this agreement and
Russias recent security pacts with Belarus and North Korea, Jalali clarified, This agreement is various; Russia has actually defined
partnerships in specific areas with those countries that we are not deeply associated with
He worried Irans dedication to independence and self-reliance, mentioning, We are not keen on participating in bloc politics
Jalali concluded by noting that the agreement would be sent to the Iranian Parliament for approval, following the process embraced in 2001
This contrasts with the Iran-China 25-year contract, signed in 2021, which was exempt to parliamentary approval, making the pact with Russia
significantly different in terms of legal oversight and public disclosure.Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian is arranged to go to Russia on
January 17 to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials to sign the Comprehensive Strategic
Partnership Agreement, more solidifying the ties between the two nations.
