President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, I am very glad to see you.
We meet regularly, and earlier this year we not only held talks but also signed an important and comprehensive agreement on our strategic partnership.
Before we begin, I would like to ask you to convey my sincere wishes for good health and wellbeing to the Supreme Leader of Iran, Mr Ali Khamenei.
I would also like to note that relations between our countries are progressing very constructively. Last year, our bilateral trade grew by 13 percent, and in the first three quarters of this year, it has risen by an additional 8 percent.
We continue to advance our major joint projects, including the Bushehr nuclear power plant and key infrastructure initiatives such as the North–South transport corridor. We are also exploring opportunities for cooperation in the gas and electricity sectors. Significant joint work is underway in agriculture as well.
And, of course, we maintain close coordination on all key international issues, including all matters concerning the Iranian nuclear programme. You are aware of our position: we support Iran at the United Nations, and our foreign ministers remain in constant contact.
I am very pleased to have this opportunity to meet with you on the sidelines of today’s events.
President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian (retranslated): I am very pleased to meet with you again.
I would like to thank you for supporting our political positions on the international stage.
As set out in our comprehensive strategic document, we are committed to implementing everything we have agreed.
Regarding the Astara-Rasht railway, I would like to inform you that we have already completed around 100 to 110 kilometres, and we plan to finish the entire project by the end of the year.
Vladimir Putin: 93 kilometres.
Masoud Pezeshkian: Over 100 kilometres – 106, to be precise. I monitor this issue on a weekly basis.
Vladimir Putin: Good.
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