Moscow: Russia's upper house of parliament has ratified a strategic partnership deal signed between Moscow and Tehran earlier this year. The agreement's ratification was announced in a statement by Russia's Federation Council following a plenary meeting in Moscow.

According to Anadolu Agency, the 20-year deal, which includes an option for automatic extensions in five-year increments, aims to strengthen and expand cooperation between Russia and Iran across multiple sectors. The agreement outlines intentions for both nations to enhance relations in areas of mutual interest, bolster security and defense cooperation, and coordinate closely on regional and global levels.

The Federation Council's statement highlighted that the deal encompasses areas such as arms control, the fight against international terrorism, and further collaboration in sectors like trade, banking, transport, energy, and peaceful nuclear energy. Federation Council chairwoman Valentina Matviyenko has tasked authorities with monitoring the ratification process by the Iranian side.

Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, speaking to state news agency Tass during the session, remarked on the importance of synchronizing the ratification process, acknowledging that the Iranian parliamentary procedure may require more time. However, he noted that Iranian officials have expressed their commitment to advancing the process in their parliament.

The strategic partnership agreement, signed on January 17 by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Moscow, was previously ratified by Russia's State Duma, the lower house of parliament, on April 8.