Putin, Raisi Summit Maintains Social Distance, Marks a 'Turning Point' in Relations

Russian President Vladimir Putin with Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi at the Kremlin (AFP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin with Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi at the Kremlin (AFP)
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Putin, Raisi Summit Maintains Social Distance, Marks a 'Turning Point' in Relations

Russian President Vladimir Putin with Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi at the Kremlin (AFP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin with Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi at the Kremlin (AFP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin received at the Kremlin Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and their strategic cooperation.

Ahead of the visit, Russian and Iranian media outlets described the visit as a turning point to boost strategic cooperation.

However, despite the media hype, the reception at the Kremlin was not up to expectations, where the protocol office arranged the meeting at a long table, unlike previous ceremonies during which Putin usually receives heads of state.

Some observers attributed the decision to maintain COVID-19 precautions, and Putin's spokesman later told the media that the seating arrangement was due to "measures of sanitary necessity."

Still, the meeting was not followed by a joint press conference, as is customary when receiving presidents, which Kremlin sources said was to respect Putin's desire to maintain distance and not participate in open events.

Nevertheless, the two presidents were keen to highlight their coordination in various fields, especially Syria.

In his opening speech, the Russian President said that Tehran and Moscow cooperate in the international arena.

"We can say that our efforts largely helped the Syrian government overcome the threats linked with international terrorism. Now both you and we are concerned about the situation that is taking shape in Afghanistan."

Putin expressed a desire to discuss these issues with Raisi and hear his position on these problems.

He thanked his Iranian counterpart for finding the time to come to Russia in these difficult pandemic times, noting that both leaders have been in constant contact since your inauguration, "but of course, videoconferences and telephone conversations cannot replace personal meetings."

Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are developing relations temporarily, under a temporary agreement, said Putin, adding: "We are doing much to create a long-term foundation for cooperation and a free trade area between Iran and our union."

Putin asked Raisi to convey his best regards to the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Raisi will address the State Duma on Thursday, which is rarely included on the agenda of visiting presidents, reflecting the importance of this trip.

He also stressed the importance of the cooperation between Iran and Russia in Syria, describing it as a "very good experience."

"We were fighting terrorism in the region, in the Syrian Arab Republic through a concerted effort. We can use this positive experience in many other areas."

The Iranian delegation delivered a document on bilateral strategic cooperation, which may determine "our future relations for the next 20 years," according to Raisi.

"We believe this document will certainly determine the long-term prospects for strategic cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation."

Contrary to the previous analysis, Russian sources said that Moscow and Tehran would not sign the document during the current visit.

Observers believe that Moscow may be waiting for the outcome of the nuclear negotiations before taking a similar step.

Raisi asserted that Iran "will never stop progress and national development because of sanctions or threats."

The President asserted that his country is trying to lift these sanctions, noting that officials are working on different mechanisms, and the ultimate goal is to remove restrictions with their help.

Raisi expressed Iran's aspiration to develop its relations with Russia in the economy, politics, culture, science, technology, the defense and military areas, security, and aviation and space.

"We can develop a new level of cooperation in all these areas."

He also noted that both sides are working to increase the level of their cooperation in trade and the economy and to raise investment manifold.

Raisi thanked Putin for supporting Iran in becoming a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

"I would like to say that in the current, exceptional conditions when unilateral actions by the West, including the US, are being confronted, we can create synergy in our cooperation."

Raisi focused on the "long-term strategic path" in relations with Moscow, reflecting the priority of this issue to his team.

Tehran also wants to reassure Moscow that reaching a possible agreement on the nuclear deal does not mean Iran will turn its back on its Russian allies.

Meanwhile, Moscow announced its readiness to develop cooperation in various fields, namely the military.

Ahead of the visit, Western media discussed the prospects of Russian-Iranian military-technical cooperation. They reported that the two parties might conclude a $10 billion contract to purchase Russian military equipment.

Military observers believe that it is important for Tehran to purchase modern Russian fighters, but the issue lies in Iran's desire to pay for them through a barter system or obtain a soft Russian loan, according to experts, which they believe is possible.



Le Pen, Orban Lambast EU at Far-right Rally in France

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban kisses the hand of French far-right leader and member of parliament Marine Le Pen during the "Fete de la Victoire" (Victory party), an event which gather supporters of the French far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National - RN) political party and nationalist politicians from across Europe to mark a year since the EU elections, in Mormant-sur-Vernisson, in the Loiret department, France, June 9, 2025. (Reuters)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban kisses the hand of French far-right leader and member of parliament Marine Le Pen during the "Fete de la Victoire" (Victory party), an event which gather supporters of the French far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National - RN) political party and nationalist politicians from across Europe to mark a year since the EU elections, in Mormant-sur-Vernisson, in the Loiret department, France, June 9, 2025. (Reuters)
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Le Pen, Orban Lambast EU at Far-right Rally in France

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban kisses the hand of French far-right leader and member of parliament Marine Le Pen during the "Fete de la Victoire" (Victory party), an event which gather supporters of the French far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National - RN) political party and nationalist politicians from across Europe to mark a year since the EU elections, in Mormant-sur-Vernisson, in the Loiret department, France, June 9, 2025. (Reuters)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban kisses the hand of French far-right leader and member of parliament Marine Le Pen during the "Fete de la Victoire" (Victory party), an event which gather supporters of the French far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National - RN) political party and nationalist politicians from across Europe to mark a year since the EU elections, in Mormant-sur-Vernisson, in the Loiret department, France, June 9, 2025. (Reuters)

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday launched scathing attacks on the EU at a rally in France aimed at flaunting the unity and strength of the anti-immigration wing of European politics.

Aimed at marking one year since Le Pen's National Rally (RN) crushed opponents to win their best-ever vote share in European elections, the get-together in Mormant-sur-Vernisson south of Paris brought together far-right leaders from across Europe.

The mood was buoyant and confident in the wake of Donald Trump's return to the White House earlier this year and strong election results across the continent.

Orban, reveling in his self-proclaimed status as the "black sheep of the EU" and "Brussels' nightmare", likened European migration policy to "an organized exchange of populations to replace the cultural base" of the continent.

Boasting of having been able to "push back migrants" in his country, even if it meant incurring sanctions from Brussels, Orban told the several thousands present: "We will not let them destroy our cities."

Le Pen, in her speech, described the European Union as a "graveyard of politically unfulfilled promises" and termed it "woke and ultra-liberal".

"We don't want to leave the table. We want to finish the game and win, to take power in France and in Europe and give it back to the people," she said.

Her party previously backed France's exit from the EU. But now it preaches European reform while remaining a member as Le Pen seeks to make the party electable and shake off the legacy of her late father Jean-Marie Le Pen.

Other attendees included Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the League party Matteo Salvini, the leader of Spain's Vox party Santiago Abascal and former Czech premier Andrej Babis.

They are all part of the Patriots for Europe faction in the European parliament, one of no less than three competing far-right factions in the chamber.

Salvini meanwhile described migration as a "threat" to Europe.

"The threat to our children is an invasion of illegal immigrants, mainly Islamists, financed and organized in the silence of Brussels," he affirmed from the podium, calling on European "patriots" to "work together" to "take back control of the destiny and future of Europe."

In a sign of the controversy over the meeting, some 4,000 people from the left, hard left and trade unions protested in the nearby town of Montargis, according to organizers, vowing to "build resistance" and proclaiming the far-right leaders were "not welcome".

"You have here the worst of the racist and xenophobic European far-right that we know only too well," said French hard-left MEP Manon Aubry.

The meeting also comes less than two years ahead of watershed presidential elections in France where President Emmanuel Macron, who has long promoted himself as a bulwark against the far-right, cannot stand again and the RN sees its best ever chance of taking power.

But it is far from certain if Le Pen will stand for a fourth time as her conviction earlier this year in a fake jobs scandal disqualifies her from standing from public office.

She has appealed. But waiting in the wings is her protege and RN party leader Jordan Bardella, 29, who would stand if Le Pen was ineligible.

Bardella, who polls have shown would still be set to win the first round of presidential elections if he stands, is taking care to project his image including a long TV interview with star anchor Karine Le Marchand aimed at showing his softer side.

"We reject the Europe of Ursula von der Leyen," Bardella told the rally, referring to the chief of the EU Commission. "We reject the Europe of Macron... We represent the rebirth of a true Europe."

As well as Le Pen's legal limbo, the contours of the French 2027 presidential election remain largely unclear, with center-right former prime minister Edouard Philippe the only major player to clearly state he will stand.

Orban urged the RN to emerge triumphant from the elections.

"Without you, we will not be able to occupy Brussels (...) We will not be able to save Hungary from the Brussels guillotine," said Orban.