GOMEL, 28 April (BelTA) - Gomel Oblast of Belarus and Mazandaran Province of Iran plan to resume and develop cooperation in various sector. The matter was discussed at the meeting of Gomel Oblast Governor Gennady Solovei with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Belarus Saeed Yari on 28 April, BelTA has learned.
The agreement on trade, economic, scientific, technological, and cultural cooperation between the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee and the administration of Mazandaran Province was signed in 2009.
“Our region is interested in continuing cooperation and implementation of the projects included in the agreement,” said Gennady Solovei. The governor mentioned production of copper rod in Rechitsa District, development of the chalk deposit in Vetkovskoye and mining of rocks in Lelchitsy District among the projects the parties may return to.
“We are for strengthening our trade and economic relations,” stressed the governor. For example, Gomel Oblast will be able to supply machine tools, timber, cardboard, cellulose, confectionery products and other products to its Iranian partners. “Gomselmash is not standing still. Today it offers gas-powered combine harvesters,” added Gennady Solovei. He also expressed interest in Iranian products to be displayed on the Gomel market.
Saeed Yari believes that there is a great potential for interaction between the two regions, as well as between Gomel Oblast and other provinces of Iran. “We can cooperate in oil production, chemical industry, manufacturing, agriculture,” the diplomat said. He added that Mazandaran Province is a center for growing citrus, kiwi.
According to the diplomat, an exchange of visits can give a new impetus to bilateral dialogue. Saeed Yari passed over to Gennady Solovei an invitation from the governor of Mazandaran Province. The ambassador suggested organizing a webinar for the parties to discuss all priorities and concrete steps of cooperation. “Gomel Oblast and Iranian provinces can complement each other. We are ready to interact in all areas. We have lost some time, but I hope we will resume relations,” he added.
The ambassador also believes it is necessary to create the ground for the development of mutually beneficial Belarusian-Iranian cooperation. Among the important steps, in his opinion, are a direct flight between Iran and Belarus, simplification of visa requirements for businesses, and establishment of banking relations.
The ambassador thanked the Gomel Oblast authorities for a warm welcome. During the visit to the region Saeed Yari plans to visit the Gomel office of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Spartak Confectionery Factory, Gomselmash, MIRTEK-Engineering.
