Following the nuclear agreement between Iran and the 5+1 group, on January 16, 2016, the sanctions imposed on Iran as a result of its nuclear program were lifted. The nuclear agreement was a "major success" for Iran, a "solution to an unnecessary problem" and set a good precedent for settling global issues through diplomacy. In addition, there was hope that the many other regional issues could also be resolved through diplomacy and negotiations.
The lifting of sanctions had a positive impact on the atmosphere of Iran's foreign policy and foreign trade. According to the Iranian president, "the implementation of the JCPOA does not harm any country: Iran's friends are satisfied, and its rivals should not worry either."
Given my responsibility as the Iranian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, I think that the lifting of sanctions will bring positive results and become a new impetus in Iranian-Russian relations.
In this regard, I can point out the following points:
1) The sanctions had a negative impact on Iranian-Russian economic exchanges and led to a decrease in trade between the two countries. The lifting of sanctions can create conditions for expanding and strengthening cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
2) One of the main problems in trade and economic relations was the problem of bank settlements and money transfers. With the lifting of sanctions, this problem has been resolved, and the banks of the two countries can work in comfortable conditions.
3) Another problem in relations between the two countries was the lack of sufficient financial resources for the implementation of projects on which agreements were reached. The opening of a credit line by Russia, as well as the release of blocked funds from Iran, opens up opportunities for financing these projects.
4) In recent months, a dialogue at the level of two presidents has been established to expand and strengthen relations between the two countries. The lifting of sanctions may provide a broader basis for the implementation of the agreements reached between high-ranking officials of the two countries.
5) During the years of sanctions, Russian-Iranian relations were influenced by a third factor, namely the West. Under the new conditions, the influence of the third factor on the relations between the two countries is decreasing.
6) One of the needs in trade relations between the two countries is the reduction of tariffs. This process has begun, and we hope that the topic of tariff reduction in all areas will bring mutual benefit to the two countries.
7) The lifting of sanctions against Iran will not have a significant impact on reducing the cost of oil. The price of oil has so far declined largely under the influence of other factors. Iran is also suffering losses due to the reduction in the cost of oil, and with the lifting of restrictions, Iran's entry into the oil market will be gradual and prudent.
8) Complex bureaucracy is one of the main obstacles in the work of the two countries. It is hoped that with the emergence of new conditions and the attention of the two presidents to the development and strengthening of relations between the two countries, new initiatives will be put forward to reduce bureaucratic barriers.
9) One of the necessary areas of cooperation between the two countries is tourism. Both countries have great opportunities to attract tourists. The topic of tourism, in addition to acquiring economic benefits, is a means to increase the mutual acquaintance of the people of the two countries with each other. The change in view of Iran has also influenced the increase in tourist trips to this country. With the introduction of new simplified conditions for issuing visas, it will become even easier for Russians to travel to a neighboring country.
10) Under the new conditions, Russian companies need to have a full-scale presence in the investment and industrial market of Iran and create advantages for themselves through participation in financing and technology transfer in this competitive market.
11) Iran and Russia can carry out wider cooperation in the field of creating the necessary simplified conditions for the import of food products from Iran. It is necessary to expedite the issuance of permits for the import of dairy products from Iran.
12) Iran has been an observer member of the SCO for several years and is interested in strengthening this organization. The lifting of sanctions creates new opportunities for acquiring a full-fledged membership of Iran in the SCO.
13) Iran is interested in strengthening economic and banking cooperation with Russia and opening joint accounts and joint banks for mutual settlements in rubles and rials. I hope that the Central Bank of Russia will take serious steps in response to Iranian initiatives.
14) The situation in the region dictates the need for more serious cooperation between Iran and Russia in various fields. With some countries in the region intent on creating tension and problems, it is essential that the forces that move in the same direction to establish stability and security and fight terrorism have closer and more serious cooperation.
15) Expanding cooperation with China, Russia and India is an invariable foreign policy priority of the current Iranian government. Over the past two years, a constructive dialogue has been formed between our presidents. Iran is grateful to Russia for cooperation at all stages of reaching a nuclear agreement and lifting sanctions.
Source: http://inotex.negusexpo.ru