MINSK, 20 August (BelTA) – In developing their cooperation, Belarus and Iran must do more than just move forward confidently; given the current situation they must accelerate their pace dramatically, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during broad-format negotiations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Minsk on 20 August, BelTA has learned.
Characterizing the cooperation between the two countries in various areas, the Belarusian head of state emphasized: “Let us be frank, we are just confidently moving forward, whereas in the current situation we need not to walk but to run. Everything is in place for a large-scale leap. And you, Mr. President, have put it very correctly, we have more than enough resources for dynamic growth.”
Over the past five years, the trade between the two countries has increased fivefold. “Trade is growing at a good rate, but the total volume should be higher. That said, our trade has grown by a third since the start of the year amid challenging conditions,” the president noted.
In Iran, there is demand for Belarusian woodworking products, chemical industry goods, and potash fertilizers. Belarusians have come to appreciate not only Iranian fruits and nuts but also high-tech products, particularly in the healthcare sector.
“Belarus is ready to launch joint industrial projects to produce quarry machinery, tractors, and other types of agricultural equipment. We propose establishing joint production facilities and ventures (given conducive conditions) to localize our manufacturing in Iran. We are counting on the development of cooperation in investment, banking and finance, transportation, science and technology, and other important areas such as education, healthcare, and sports,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.
Separately, the head of state spoke about cooperation in the humanitarian field. This topic is important because cultural exchanges help people better understand each other’s traditions and history, which fosters greater understanding and, in the long term, helps build strong friendships. “Here we have achieved fairly good progress,” the president said. “The necessary conditions have been created to facilitate communication among cultural figures. We are planning to hold the Days of Belarusian Culture in Iran.”
Furthermore, the president pointed to thriving interregional contacts and reaffirmed Belarus’ commitment to strengthening current partnerships and forging new ones across a wider area.
The president concluded: “Our cooperation is the foundation for a strategic partnership and a contribution to stability in this turbulent world. Through joint efforts, Belarus and Iran will be able to successfully respond to modern challenges, open new horizons, and build a prosperous future for our nations.”
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