Valiati and Putin Meet

Ali Akbar Velayati, the advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic on international affairs, who traveled to Moscow, has met with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia. According to the IRNA news agency, the parties discussed the 'latest status of bilateral and regional cooperation.' Mr. Velayati had left Tehran on February 1 for a four-day trip to Russia. Before leaving Tehran, he stated that in this trip, the 'strategic policies' of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic regarding the 'Look to the East' policy would be pursued. In the meeting on February 3 with Vladimir Putin, Ali Akbar Velayati reiterated the so-called 'Look to the East' policy. He stated, 'The Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia are stepping towards the regulation of strategic and long-term relations, and this irreversible path in the development and expansion of strategic cooperation can help create stability and peace in the region and the international arena.' According to Iranian news agencies, Vladimir Putin also said, 'It is essential to expand cooperation in all areas and utilize all capacities in this direction.' Both Iran and Russia are key allies of Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria. They accuse global powers and some regional countries of intervening in the Syrian civil war and supporting Assad's opponents, including in trade with the 'Islamic government.' Iran and Russia are providing both financial and military assistance to Bashar al-Assad and his army. Western countries claim that Assad's failure to step down will make the war and internal crisis in that country endless. Mr. Putin had previously traveled to Iran, where he met with Ayatollah Khamenei. The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic praised Russia's positions regarding Syria. Amnesty International states that Russian airstrikes in Syria, which have resulted in civilian casualties, could constitute a war crime. Moscow has consistently denied civilian casualties in its airstrikes. Before meeting with Putin, Velayati had also discussed with his special envoy on Syrian affairs and other officials from that country. The Supreme Leader's advisor emphasized 'long-term and strategic cooperation' between the two countries.