Opinions & Interviews

Belarus set to expand cooperation with Iran

MINSK, 11 February (BelTA) – Belarus is determined to keep promoting fruitful cooperation with Iran, Belarusian Industry Minister, co-chair of Belarus-Iran commission for economic cooperation Pavel Utyupin said at an event to mark Iran’s national holiday on 11 February, BelTA has learned.

He emphasized that Belarus views Iran as an established player on the international arena and an important partner. He noted that the two countries laid solid groundwork for expanding fruitful cooperation. The minister believes that Belarus-Iran relations should advance to a new, higher level in politics, economy and other areas. Pavel Utyupin pointed to the mutual interest in intensifying bilateral relations in manufacturing, agriculture, science and technology.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Belarus Mostafa Oweisi noted that Iran has achieved a lot over 40 years since the Islamic Revolution. “Maybe, the biggest achievement of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the country’s freedom and independence from external dominance. Great efforts were invested in the country’s economic, industrial and scientific development. We are proud that Iran is one of the world’s leaders in many areas of science and technology,” he said.

Belarus-Iran relations are underpinned by mutual trust and respect. It is encouraging that this attitude has remained in place for over 25 years of diplomatic relations. Bilateral cooperation and constructive interaction in politics, economy, culture, science and technology have been gaining momentum thanks to the efforts undertaken, the Iranian ambassador said.

He emphasized the importance of the meetings and talks between the presidents of Belarus and Iran during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in the Chinese city of Qingdao last year, and the meetings of Iran’s first vice president with Belarus’ premier in Sochi in November 2017. Apart from that, the diplomat pointed to the important role of interparliamentary exchanges. Last year major agreements were reached during a session of the joint economic commission in Tehran.  According to the ambassador, the two sides are working hard to achieve their common goal – to increase the bilateral trade to $1 billion.

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