Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Russia would continue to support Iran during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg.
“Last week, I received a message from the supreme leader of Iran,” Putin said, as per Fox News. He added, “I would like you to convey my most sincere words of gratitude and to confirm that Russia, like Iran, intends to continue our strategic relations.”
Putin went on to declare that Russia sees how “courageously and heroically the Iranian people are fighting for their independence and sovereignty,” noting that it hopes that the “Iranian people will, under the leadership of a new leader, make it through this difficult period of trials, and that peace will follow.”
“From our side, we will do everything that is in your interest, in the interests of all nations in the region, so that peace is reached as soon as possible. You know our position very well,” he added.
Araghchi thanked Putin for his ongoing support. “I was asked to confirm during this visit that Russian-Iranian relations continue to be a strategic partnership at the highest level. This is the way we will move forward.” He added that the meeting proves to “everyone that Iran has friends and allies, such as Russia, who stand by Iran during difficult times. We thank you for your firm position in support of Iran.”
Araghchi has also sought to coordinate with partners in Islamabad and Muscat, writing on social media that the visits surrounded “bilateral matters” and “regional developments.”
