Top Putin aides in Iran as Russia seeks to ease concerns on Zangezur Corridor
The flurry of diplomatic visits and discussions appear to be a fresh move by Moscow to reenergize Iran-Russia bilateral ties, which have recently faced new complexities.
TEHRAN — Two high-ranking Russian officials who are aides to President Vladimir Putin were in Tehran on Tuesday to discuss bilateral cooperation with Iranian officials amid renewed Western worries about the growing alliance.
Igor Levitin, a senior Putin adviser, met the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Akbar Ahmadian, and three government ministers, Iran's ISNA news agency reported.
Levitin's discussions revolved primarily around the progress of the International North-South Transport Corridor, a key cross-regional infrastructure project designed to enhance trade connectivity.
The 7,200-kilometer (4,500-mile) route encompasses sea, rail and road networks, with the aim of facilitating freight movement between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe. Streamlining trade and economic cooperation, the INSTC remains a cornerstone of Iran-Russia partnership.
