The development of trade and economic relations is a priority in the cooperation between Belarus and Iran. This was stated by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, on December 15 at a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
The Head of State first thanked Abbas Araghchi for his visit to Belarus at this challenging time, when the international situation remains tense. "Apparently, because it is one of the closest, friendly countries to your country," Alexander Lukashenko suggested.
The President noted that during such visits, the parties usually take stock and outline work plans for the future, for the near and more distant perspective. In this sense, the visit of the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Belarus is no exception. Both countries are already implementing a roadmap for comprehensive cooperation for 2023-2026, and further development of mutual relations needs to be planned through joint efforts.
"I think you will agree that, in principle, we have no problems in the political and diplomatic relations between the two countries. But, I think you will also agree, the basis of everything is the economy, trade and economic relations between Belarus and Iran. In this regard, we can do a lot, to put it mildly," the Belarusian leader is confident.
"For us, the priority of priorities is the economy. Therefore, I propose not only to talk about trade and economic relations with such a vast country as Iran, where we can do a lot for Iran, we have certain opportunities and interest, but also, perhaps, to define some directions of that roadmap, of that plan, which will be determined for the near future," said the Head of State.
Alexander Lukashenko, recalling his visits to Iran, the negotiations held and the agreements reached, drew attention to Belarus's commitment and reliability as a business partner. "I have not found that we, from Belarus, have failed to fulfill even one of the points of the agreements. This is our fundamental position, we always adhere to it in agreements with other countries – to sacredly fulfill what we have promised," the President stated.
The Head of State also conveyed the warmest congratulations and wishes to the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, and the President of that country, Masoud Pezeshkian.
In turn, the Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed warm greetings from Ali Khamenei and Masoud Pezeshkian, and congratulated Alexander Lukashenko and the entire Belarusian people on the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.
"As you rightly noted, our relations are completely friendly, there are no obstacles or problems. The basis of our interaction is economic cooperation, which is developing daily. Your visit to Tehran and the visit of the President of Iran, Mr. Pezeshkian, to Minsk were truly key milestones in the development of bilateral interaction," stated Abbas Araghchi.
He also noted that recently the parties held a successful regular meeting of the intergovernmental commission and the Minister of Industry of Belarus visited Tehran. "It was a very successful commission meeting. We are very pleased. Substantive, good agreements were reached. I am here today to work through all these issues further," said the Iranian Foreign Minister.