MINSK, 5 May (BelTA) - Iran is of interest to Belarus in terms of industrial cooperation, interaction in agriculture, science and technology, Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs of the House of Representatives Sergei Rachkov told the media before his meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Belarus Alireza Sanei, BelTA has learned.
“The focus of our countries is on the economy and trade and economic relations. Iran interests us primarily from the standpoint of industrial cooperation, collaboration in agriculture, science and technology,” said Sergei Rachkov.
According to him, trade between the countries has grown significantly in recent times. The president has set a goal, specifically, to boost trade to $1 billion, and Belarus sees that potential.
Very friendly and deep relations have long been developing between Belarus and Iran. Both countries maintain a high level of political contacts. Suffice it to say that the presidents of the two countries have exchanged visits three times, the MP said.
Belarus maintains very close contacts with Iranian parliamentarians both in bilateral formats and on international platforms. The most recent talks took place within the framework of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Istanbul, Sergei Rachkov recalled.
“We are well aware of what is currently happening in the Middle East region and, in particular, around Iran. Nevertheless, bilateral relations and cooperation across all areas between Belarus and Iran continue,” the chairman of the Standing Commission said.
An intergovernmental commission for cooperation is functioning. A roadmap is in the final stages of implementation, focusing on economic issues, investment cooperation, the development of trade ties, and the creation of joint products.
The MP emphasized that today it is very important not simply to exchange goods but to create joint products that can also be offered to third countries.
“For the Republic of Belarus, Iran is certainly a very important country in terms of logistics and promoting Belarusian exports. This refers to the North-South international transit corridor, which has been actively developed in recent years. We hope that after the situation stabilizes in the Middle East, this project will be completed and the Republic of Belarus will also take advantage of these opportunities to expand its product deliveries through Iran, primarily to the Arab world, Africa, and Asia,” said Sergei Rachkov.
Speaking about the role of parliamentarians in these processes, the chairman of the Standing Commission noted that it is not only about political work and advancing political relations. Creating an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect between leaders and between countries is also very important. At the same time, the focus of parliamentarians’ work remains on the economy, trade and economic relations.
“As the head of the working group of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus for cooperation with the Iranian parliament, I pay primary attention to trade and economic interaction. The most recent meeting I had with my counterpart within the framework of the IPU in Istanbul showed that, despite the difficult situation, this country is alive and is addressing its necessary tasks, including economic ones,” said Sergei Rachkov.
The chairman of the Standing Commission recalled that the two parties have many bilateral international treaties on economic matters. Belarus has ratified the free trade zone agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union. This represents a specific contribution by parliamentarians to the growth of trade and the expansion of trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and Iran.
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