TEHRAN -- Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the collaboration between Iran and Russia has reached its “apex,” following his visit to Moscow.
In a post on X, Araghchi wrote, “We are at the apex of collaboration with Russia in the history of our 500-year-old relationship.”
Araghchi also referred to Tehran and Moscow as “strategic partners” committed to pursuing mutual interests. 
“In this critical juncture, Iran and Russia are strategic partners and will continue to be so in pursuit of shared interests & for the good of the two nations and the world,” he added.
He described his Thursday meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as “fruitful,” during which he delivered a written message from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to the Russian president.
Earlier on Friday, during a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Araghchi called his discussions with Putin “useful,” emphasizing that relations between Tehran and Moscow are advancing.
He also confirmed that Putin had been formally invited to visit Tehran, adding that the visit is expected to take place later this year.
Araghchi highlighted the plans between Iran and Russia to strengthen economic cooperation, despite the sanctions both countries face.
“Of course, this does not mean that the two countries recognize the legitimacy of the sanctions, but they have designed their economic cooperation in such a way that even in the presence of sanctions, they can achieve desirable results,” Araghchi explained.
Lavrov, in turn, noted that Putin was “very pleased” with the meeting. “Yesterday’s meeting emphasized the unprecedented dynamics of our political dialogue,” Lavrov said.
Araghchi arrived in Moscow on Thursday at the invitation of his Russian counterpart.
He returned to Tehran on Friday evening, a day before the second round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington in Rome.