Lukashenko on relations with Iran: the economy is a priority of priorities for us
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, according to a BELTA correspondent.
The head of state first thanked Abbas Araghchi for his visit to Belarus in this difficult time, when the international situation remains tense. "Apparently, because it is one of the closest, friendly countries for your country," Alexander Lukashenko suggested. The President noted that during such visits, the parties usually sum up certain results and outline work plans for the future, for the near and more distant future. In this sense, the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran to Belarus is no exception. Both countries are already implementing a roadmap for comprehensive cooperation for 2023-2026, and it is necessary to plan the further development of relations through joint efforts.
"I think you will agree that we, in principle, have no problems in 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 huge 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, 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 the obligation and reliability of Belarus as a business partner. "I have not found that we, from the Belarusian side, have failed to fulfill even one of the points of the agreements. This is our principled 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 this country, Masoud Pezeshkian.
In turn, the head of the MFA conveyed warm words
greetings from the Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, 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," said Abbas Araghchi.
He also noted that the parties recently 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 have been reached. I am here today to work through all these issues in more detail," said the head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.