Lukashenko: Belarus and Iran must work more closely together to counter Western provocations

Belarus and Iran should work more closely together to counter Western provocations. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on October 17 at a meeting with First Vice President of Iran Mohammad Mokhber, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

"I hope you will not be disappointed with your visit. There are many issues, there is plenty to discuss. Therefore, I also hope that our conversation will have a good practical outcome," the head of state welcomed the Iranian guest. "You know the situation Belarus is in. It is roughly the same situation you are in. The pressure exerted on our states is unprecedented, but you have already learned to some extent to counter it, and your experience is very important to us. What constantly surprises me is that during these large-scale actions over this period, Iran has not reduced its level of development at all, but, on the contrary, has significantly advanced."

In March 2023, Alexander Lukashenko paid an official visit to Iran. At that time, the presidents agreed to develop an action plan for the foreseeable future to ensure more successful development of trade turnover between the countries and cooperation in general. Following the negotiations, Alexander Lukashenko and President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi signed a roadmap for comprehensive cooperation between the countries for 2023-2026.

"The most important thing. Based on the experience of relations with Iran, based on many years of cooperation with Iran, I conclude that your bureaucracy and ours need to learn to work very promptly. If we have agreed on something, it must be executed on time. The most important thing for us is not sanctions and pressure, but time. And this time must not be lost due to bureaucratic obstacles under any circumstances," the Belarusian leader emphasized.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that the global situation is escalating, and the crisis in the Middle East contributes to unfriendly Western countries, led by the United States of America, constantly directing the edge of this conflict against Iran. "You feel this better. Our response is one: we must work more closely together, cooperate together to counter these provocations," the President stated.

In 2022, Belarusian-Iranian trade turnover exceeded $100 million, which is three times higher than the 2021 level. This year, the dynamics are also positive. For January-August, the countries traded for $62.5 million, which is 26% higher than last year's figures. Belarusian exports are growing every year. The country supplies potash fertilizers, timber, pulp, and synthetic fibers to Iran. Vegetables, fruits and nuts, vaccines, blood sera, and blood are imported.

Source: belta.by