Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will visit Russia for talks with Vladimir Putin, AFP reports citing the Kremlin, as the two countries strengthen economic and military ties in the face of Western sanctions.

“I can confirm. There will be Russian-Iranian negotiations on December 7,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked about media reports of Raisi’s impending visit.

Iran’s official news agency Irna said Raisi would be travelling to Moscow following an invitation from Putin.

“Bilateral issues, including economic interactions, as well as discussions about regional and international issues, especially the situation in Gaza, will be high on the agenda of the one-day trip,” it reported.