Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that he had received a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader ahead of high-level talks with Tehran’s top diplomat in St. Petersburg.
Speaking at the start of his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Putin noted that he had received correspondence from Iran’s Supreme Leader last week and conveyed his appreciation for the message, Sputnik reported.
“At the beginning of the conversation, I would like to note that last week I received a message from the Supreme Leader of Iran,” Putin said, adding that he had asked Araghchi to pass on his gratitude and best wishes.
Putin said Russia hopes the Iranian people will weather what he described as a “difficult period” and that peace will prevail.
He added that Russia would do everything in the interests of Iran and other countries in the region, the state-run RIA news agency reported.
The Russian president also praised what he described as the courage of the Iranian people, saying they are “fighting courageously and heroically for their sovereignty,” and expressed hope that the country would overcome its current challenges and achieve peace soon.
Putin further said Russia is prepared to do everything that aligns with the interests of regional countries to help bring stability and peace to the Middle East “as quickly as possible.”
The remarks came during talks with Araghchi, who is in St. Petersburg for discussions with Russian officials on regional and bilateral issues.
Separately, Iranian officials reiterated their stance that the Iranian people have the strength to withstand external pressure and continue resisting the US-Israel
