Minister: Belarus-Iran bilateral cooperation reaches brand new level

Bilateral cooperation between Minsk and Tehran has advanced to a brand new level, Belarus’ Economy Minister Yuri Chebotar said at a solemn event on the occasion of Iran's public holiday in Minsk on 9 February, BelTA has learned. He congratulated the friendly people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the public holiday - the anniversary of the victory of Islamic Revolution. “Every year, celebrating this day as a symbol of striving for freedom and social justice, Iran reaffirms its commitment to the path of building a strong and independent state, chosen 45 years ago,” the minister said. “Having preserved its unique historical and civilizational identity, the Iranian people are confidently moving forward and developing.” “Last year our countries celebrated a landmark event - the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. After crossing this historic milestone, bilateral cooperation between Minsk and Tehran has advanced to a brand new level. It is no secret that relations between our countries are reaching a strategic level,” Yuri Chebotar said. “Undoubtedly, the official visit of the Belarusian president to Iran in March 2023 and the visit of Iranian first vice president to Minsk in October 2023 gave a special impetus to the dynamics of the Belarusian-Iranian dialogue. The high dynamics of the delegations' exchange at various levels demonstrates the mutual interest to expand contacts in all areas,” the minister pointed out. According to him, an important indicator of the economic barometer of Belarusian-Iranian interaction is the regular meetings of the joint commission on economic cooperation. The latest meeting was held in Tehran in October 2023. The minister believes that the implementation of the agreements reached at the meeting will help boost the mutual trade and expand the range of supplies. “We have already seen significant progress in trade and economic cooperation but the bilateral trade potential has not been fully exhausted. We will continue to make every effort to reach a higher level of cooperation,” Yuri Chebotar noted. “Belarus opposes the illegal unilateral economic sanctions. First of all, sanctions harm the countries' economies and common citizens. Under the current geopolitical conditions, we will have to do joint painstaking work to turn all difficulties into new opportunities, taking consistent and balanced steps to further the Belarusian-Iranian relations,” he added. The minister expressed gratitude to Iran for its support on the international arena, for its willingness to seek compromises and move together in priority areas of mutually beneficial cooperation. “I am confident that we will achieve even better results by joining efforts. Friendly relations between our countries will continue to grow stronger,” Yuri Chebotar concluded.