Iran and Russia have solidified their longstanding alliance by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the security sector. The agreement was inked by Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Ali Akbar Ahmadian, and his Russian counterpart, Nikolai Patrushev, during a meeting at the 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues in St. Petersburg.

The MoU outlines plans for increased collaboration across various strategic domains, reinforcing the strong ties between Tehran and Moscow. Despite facing stringent Western sanctions, the two nations have continued to deepen their relationship, particularly in areas of security and defense.

The international gathering in St. Petersburg, which runs from April 23-25, has attracted delegates from 106 countries. In a video message to the event, Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed his country's commitment to fostering partnerships that bolster global and regional security.

Highlighting the persistent threat of international terrorism, Putin cautioned against the actions of radical groups and intelligence agencies aiming to destabilize sovereign nations and sow discord among different ethnic and religious groups. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to counteract these threats and maintain stability on both regional and global scales.