Putin’s quest to strengthen ties with his remaining allies

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Iran to build relations with the country’s Supreme leader and the Turkish president

Russian President Vladimir Putin says relations with Iran are developing well, as he makes his second foreign trip since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

The Russian President is in the country for meetings with the country’s Supreme leader, as well as the Turkish president.

Grain exports, Syria, and the Ukraine conflict are high on the agenda.

Putin is hoping to build stronger ties with Iran, one of Moscow’s only remaining international allies. He is also meeting with Turkey’s president, who’s nation relies on the Russian market as it grapples with inflation and a rapidly depreciating currency.

Putin is trying to guarantee the safety of grain shipments passing through Turkey, but says more work needs to be done.

This comes as Russian energy giant Gazprom signs a new development deal worth $40m with Iran’s state oil company.