** IRAN DAILY
-- Oil exports to increase in coming months: Minister
Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji said crude oil exports from the country will further increase in the upcoming months despite the growing pressure of the US sanctions on the Iranian energy sector.
Owji said that Iranian oil exports had reached significant levels in February amid efforts by the country to get round the sanctions and pump more oil to markets in East Asia.
-- Raeisi, Putin discuss economic cooperation, joint projects
“Both sides gave a positive assessment of the level and dynamics of the development of Russia-Iran relations,” the statement said according to TASS news agency. It noted that Raeisi and Putin had agreed to maintain further contacts.
In its report, TASS said the International North-South Transport Corridor is one of the infrastructure projects pursued by Russia and Iran. Iran, together with India and Russia, is pushing forward with the sea and rail corridor that could substantially reduce the time and cost of shipping goods from India to Europe.
-- No need for Russian S-400 batteries: Iran
The minister hailed Iran-Russia defense cooperation, saying: “Our relations with Moscow are at a high level.” Iran has been under strict sanctions for years, forcing the country to produce its own military hardware, including drones, missiles, and other weapons.
Su-35 fighter jets
Speaking about Iran’s potential purchase of the Russian Su-35 fighter jets, Ashtiani said that Tehran collaborates with other countries to strengthen its defense capabilities and will proceed with a purchase if necessary.
** KAYHAN INTERNATIONAL
--‘Graveyard’ to Compete at Beirut Women’s Festival
Iranian short flick ‘Graveyard’ has been scheduled to vie at the Beirut International Women’s Film Festival (BWFF) in Lebanon. The film will be screened at the main competition section of the seventh edition of the event.
“Reyhaneh was the reason for her baby’s death. Now, in the absence of his runaway husband, she is looking for a way to bury the baby. She deals with different hardships but eventually finds a way to get what she wants,” a synopsis of the film reads.
-- Qatari Trade Delegation in Iran to Boost Investment
The Trade Promotion Organization of Iran (TPOI) announced on Monday that a large Qatari trade delegation has traveled to Iran for talks on joint investment opportunities. Speaking on the sidelines of the Iran-Qatar Trade and Investment Forum, held in Tehran on Monday, TPOI Chief Alireza Paymanpak said that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s government has emphasized developing ties with neighboring countries.
-- FAO: Iran 13th Largest Producer of Wheat in 2022
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said Iran became the world’s 13th wheat producer in 2022.
FAO added that Iran registered a 28 percent rise in wheat production last year.
In its latest report on the perspective of food status, FAO has predicted that wheat production in the world may reduce by about one percent in 2023 compared to a year earlier.
** TEHRAN TIMES
-- Drama on assassinated Iranian nuclear scientist wins award at U.S. film competition
“Henas”, a drama that portrays the true story of the assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist who was shot dead by Mossad gunmen, has won an Award of Excellence at the Accolade Global Film Competition in La Jolla, California.
Directed by Hossein Darabi, it is the final episode in the life of Dariush Rezainejad, the 35-year-old Iranian nuclear scientist who was shot dead by Mossad gunmen before the eyes of his wife and little girl in front of his house in Tehran in July 2011. The movie portrays the terrorist attack through the eyes of his wife.
-- Tehran hosting Iran-West Africa economic co-op meeting
Scientific and Economic Cooperation Meeting Between Iran and West African Countries (IRAN WAC) kicked off in Tehran on Monday and will wrap up on Wednesday.
Addressing the first day of the gathering, Mohsen Rezaei, the Iranian vice president for economic affairs, mentioned the importance of expanding trade between Iran and the mentioned countries, and said, “We can establish large multinational commercial companies in cooperation with each other and increase our share of international trade; What Europeans and Americans do and are proud of.”
-- Ramsar geopark seeks international fame
The lush green Ramsar county in northern Iran, which is home to countless natural landscapes, seeks to gain international fame as a geopark, Ramsar’s tourism chief said on Monday.
“Ramsar Geopark is of high importance due to having a wide variety of natural characteristics. So, we consider nominating it for an international status to boost the local economy,” Nader Saharkhizan explained.
“Natural phenomena such as beautiful forests, limestone formations, natural and remedial spas, gorgeous beaches, caves, and towering mountains have made Ramsar one of the most beautiful places in the world. This way it needs to be introduced internationally,” the official said.
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