Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi discussed the steps to ensure Iran's smooth joining of all full-fledged BRICS activities, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. The presidents held a phone conversation at the initiative of the Iranian side, reads the statement.
"Ebrahim Raisi thanked for the support of the Iranian application to join the BRICS. Steps were discussed to ensure that Iran smoothly joins the full-fledged activities of this association, taking into account the chairmanship of Russia in it in 2024," the statement said.
The presidents also confirmed intention to strengthen trade and economic ties, as well as to promote joint energy and transport projects, the Kremlin said.
The leaders also touched upon the matter of the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis.
"A detailed exchange of views was held on the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh and the issue of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia," the statement read.
Putin also briefed Raisi about the work of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh, including the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians, the protection of the rights and security of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The presidents also stressed the importance of resolving all issues on Nagoro-Karabakh only by peaceful, political, and diplomatic means.