More than 300 representatives of the business community from 18 Iranian provinces visited Russia to participate in two international exhibitions. During the visit, they held meetings with the Iranian ambassador, governors of Yazd and Bushehr provinces, as well as heads of Iranian fisheries and veterinary organizations to discuss practical steps for increasing trade between the two countries.
The Iranian Ambassador to Russia, speaking at the ceremony, mentioned Western anti-Iranian sanctions measures, two military conflicts, and the martyrdom of the leader of the Islamic Revolution, stating that 'the message of each of these martyred deaths is that the Islamic Republic of Iran is becoming stronger.'
Kazem Jalali continued, noting recent statements by the US president as an acknowledgment that military aggression against Iran was not aimed at supporting the people, freedom, or human rights. He emphasized the commitment of Iranian traders who contribute to the prosperity of the country's production and exports.
The Iranian Ambassador to Russia, commenting on regional and global events, stated that there is currently a valuable opportunity to strengthen trade between Tehran and Moscow. He added that it is necessary not only to strengthen bilateral relations but also to create ties that will not be affected even if the current situation in international relations changes.
He named projects such as strengthening and fully launching the North-South Corridor, as well as the supply of Russian gas to Iran, as those that will support trade ties between the countries for decades to come. Jalali expressed satisfaction that the Iranian trade office in Russia is being established through the efforts of a private company and hoped this would accelerate the development of trade exchange.
The Governor of Bushehr also noted at the meeting that after failures in the enemy's military aggression, they have shifted to siege and economic warfare. Although this situation has complicated trade conditions in the southern coastal provinces, he stressed that Iran is a large country with special capabilities, and the enemy's new actions will fail due to these capabilities.
Arsalan Zare highlighted the importance of the diplomatic apparatus's role in ensuring the country's needs for vital goods, calling the efforts of the Iranian embassy in Russia in this direction valuable and commendable. He also described Bushehr province as an economic and energy center of Iran, noting that despite accounting for 1.5% of Iran's territory and population, the province accounts for 8% of the country's GDP, making it favorable for investment and economic activity.
The Governor of Yazd reported that the delegation's participation in Russia corresponds to strengthening provincial diplomacy and characterized this approach to foreign policy as a valuable initiative. Mohammad Reza Babaei, speaking about Yazd's production capacities, noted that over 900 types of goods are produced in the province, some of which are intended for export. He also pointed out Yazd's ability to produce 140 construction materials and greenhouse products, which opens up opportunities for export development, including to Russia.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and head of the Iranian Fisheries Organization stated that Tehran and Moscow are reliable friends, and Iranian traders helping to meet Russia's needs will be an opportunity to support the country's production and economy. Hamzeh Rostamipour added that sustainable trade relations with Russia require seeing a significant role for the private sector, citing the fisheries sector where non-state players are pioneers. He also noted the presence of over 300 Iranian traders at exhibitions in Russia and the existence of Iran's national pavilion at the International Fish and Aquaculture Exhibition in St. Petersburg.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and head of the Veterinary Organization also stated that their mission is to support all stages of production, harvesting, and transportation of products. Vahid Salehi conveyed warm greetings from the Minister of Jihad-e-Agriculture and invited participants to join the Committee for Food Security Policy Development created by the ministry.
At this meeting, several economic entities presented their problems, opinions, and proposals for developing trade with Russia, to which officials responded, leading to the extension of the session. The Iranian delegation, consisting of representatives from the provinces of Bushehr, Yazd, Khuzestan, East Azerbaijan, Hormozgan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Zanjan, Kermanshah, Fars, Gilan, Golestan, Isfahan, Razavi Khorasan, Tehran, Alborz, Markazi, and Lorestan, will negotiate with Russian governmental and private structures to eliminate obstacles and develop economic cooperation.
According to IRNA, the International Exhibition of Food and Beverages of Russia will take place from September 15 to 18 in Moscow, and the International Fish and Aquaculture Exhibition will take place from September 16 to 18 in St. Petersburg.