Khalimat Budonova said bilateral trade had reached $4.7 billion,
citing the latest figures, and described economic ties as “on a growing trend.”
Speaking at the opening of the 19th session of the Iran–Russia Joint
Economic Commission in Tehran, Budonova thanked Iran for hosting and said the
Russian delegation included representatives from government bodies and various
companies.
She said the signing of a free trade agreement between Iran and the
Eurasian Economic Union had played a significant role in facilitating trade,
enabling the exchange of more than 2,000 items across goods, services and
products, highlighting what she called “substantial cooperation potential.”
Budonova added that 17 expert committees were working during the
meeting, with specialists from both countries tasked with advancing
coordination and resolving outstanding points.
“We expect to reach concrete results at the expert level,” she said,
noting that agreed provisions would be incorporated into a final text to be
submitted to the secretariat.
Budonova said a second group of the Russian delegation would arrive in
Tehran later on Monday, with broader issues to be reviewed on Tuesday. She
expressed hope that a final document would be ready for signing by Iran’s Oil
Minister Mohsen Paknejad and Russia’s Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev.
She reiterated appreciation to the Iranian side and said she hoped the
commission’s objectives would be achieved, strengthening strategic cooperation
between the two countries.