A top aide announced on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will speak with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday at a summit in Turkmenistan, a country in Central Asia.
Yury Ushakov, Putin’s assistant on foreign policy, told journalists the presidents will meet in Ashgabat while attending an event recognizing a Turkmen poet.
“This meeting is really important for discussing
“This meeting has great significance both for discussing bilateral issues as well as, of course, discussing the sharply escalated situation in the Middle East,” Ushakov said.
Summit of Central Asian leaders is being held to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of poet Magtymguly Pyragy, who lived in the 18th century.
There had been no prior announcement regarding Putin’s attendance.
During his visit to Iran last week, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin had talks with Pezeshkian and First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.
The discussions take place as Russia has evacuated some citizens and Israel is bombing Lebanon heavily, aiming its missiles at Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Russia maintains tight ties with Iran; nevertheless, Western countries have charged Tehran of providing Moscow with missiles and drones, a claim Tehran has refuted time and again.
During his travel to Russia this month to take part in the BRICS summit of emerging economies, Pezeshkian will also speak with Putin.
