Lukashenko on relations with Iran: the economy is our priority of priorities
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 during a meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
The head of state first of all thanked Abbas Araghchi for his visit to Belarus during this difficult time when the international situation remains tense. "Apparently, because this is one of the closest, friendly countries for your country," Alexander Lukashenko suggested.
The President noted that during such visits, the parties usually summarize certain results and outline working plans for the future, for the near and more distant perspective. In this sense, the visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister to Belarus is no exception. Both countries are already implementing a roadmap for comprehensive cooperation for 2023-2026, and it is necessary to jointly plan the further development of relations.
"I think you will agree that we basically have no problems in political and diplomatic relations between the two countries. But, I think you will also agree, the foundation of everything is the economy, trade and economic relations between Belarus and Iran. In this regard, we can, to put it mildly, do a lot together," 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 interests, but also, perhaps, to define some directions of that roadmap, that plan, which will be defined for the near future," the head of state said.
Alexander Lukashenko, recalling his visits to Iran, the negotiations that took place and the agreements reached, drew attention to the obligation and reliability of Belarus as a business partner. "I have not found that we, on the part of Belarus, have not fulfilled at least one of the points of the agreements. This is our principled position, we always adhere to it in agreements with other countries - to faithfully fulfill what we promised," the President stated.
The head of state also conveyed his warmest congratulations and wishes to the Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei and the President of that country Masoud Pezeshkian.
For his part, the Foreign Minister conveyed warm greetings from Ali Khamenei and 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 develops daily. Your visit to Tehran and the visit of the President of Iran Mr. Pezeshkian to Minsk were indeed key milestones in the development of bilateral interaction," Abbas Araghchi stated.
He also noted that recently the parties held a successful next meeting of the intergovernmental commission and the Minister of Industry of Belarus visited Tehran. "It was a very successful meeting of the commission. We are very satisfied. Substantial, good agreements have been reached. I am here today to work through all these issues more thoroughly," said the Iranian Foreign Minister.