 "Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. File image/Reuters")
Russia and Iran signed a significant treaty on Friday (January 17) to expand their economic and military cooperation, opening a new chapter in their strategic partnership.
The agreement comes as both nations face increasing international isolation and seek to strengthen ties in response to shared security threats and economic challenges.
But what does this treaty entail?
Here are seven key features of the agreement:
1. Security and defence cooperation
The treaty commits Russia and Iran to bolster their collaboration in security and defence.
Both nations will participate in joint military exercises, develop military-technical cooperation, and coordinate closely on global and regional security matters.
2. Mutual assistance against security threats
Russia and Iran agreed to counter shared military threats and pledged not to assist any aggressor targeting the other. Disputes will be resolved based on the UN Charter and international law.
3. Commitment to territorial integrity
The two sides vowed not to allow their territories to be used to support separatist movements or activities threatening the other’s stability. Their intelligence and security services will share information to address common threats.
4. Economic collaboration on energy
The treaty promotes deeper cooperation between Russian and Iranian energy companies. It encourages investments in joint projects to develop oil and gas fields, seeking to enhance the energy capabilities of both nations.
5. Joint efforts in nuclear energy
Long-term projects in peaceful nuclear energy are a cornerstone of the agreement. These include collaborations on nuclear power station construction, which both nations see as a step toward energy independence.
6. New payment systems and financial integration
The treaty seeks to reduce reliance on third-country systems by developing a modern payment mechanism for transactions in national currencies. It also calls for direct interbank cooperation and the promotion of domestic financial products.
7. No mutual defence pact or weapon exchange clause
Although the agreement strengthens military ties, it stops short of creating a mutual defence pact, unlike the recent deal between Russia and North Korea.
Additionally, it does not explicitly reference weapon exchanges, which have been a contentious issue for Western nations imposing sanctions on both countries.
With inputs from agencies