Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on October 11 on the sidelines of an international conference in Turkmenistan, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, Iran's presidential website reported.

The meeting took place during the "Interaction of Times and Civilizations - the Basis of Peace and Development" conference. Turkmenistan, as a neutral country, sees itself as an international mediator of regional affairs.

During the bilateral meeting, the Russian president said that relations with Iran are a priority for his country and are developing "very successfully." In particular, an increase in trade turnover between Russia and Iran was recorded in 2024.

Pezeshkian emphasised the strategic nature of Iran-Russia relations, stating, "Our relationship with Russia is cordial and strategic. Our economic and cultural ties are strengthening day by day."

The Iranian president expressed hope for expediting the signing of a strategic partnership document between the two countries, which includes economic and security related agreements.

"I hope we can finalise this treaty during my attendance at the BRICS summit in Russia," Pezeshkian said to Putin.

Addressing regional concerns, Pezeshkian criticised Israel's actions in the region, saying, "The Zionist regime does not adhere to any international legal or humanitarian framework, and the situation in the region is critical."

Putin reciprocated the positive sentiment, highlighting the importance of bilateral cooperation. "Collaboration with Iran is a high priority for us," the Russian leader said. "The development of relations and increase in trade volume between the two sides is progressing very well."

“We are actively working together in the international arena, and our assessments of events happening in the world are often very close,” the Russian leader was quoted as saying on the Kremlin’s Telegram channel.

Both leaders noted the alignment of their international perspectives. Putin stated, "We cooperate jointly at the international level, and our global assessments and approaches are identical."

Putin also reportedly invited Pezeshkian to Russia, to pay an official visit to the country, according to Russian news agency Tass.

Pezeshkian thanked Putin and accepted the invitation.