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Lukashenko: Belarus-Iran cooperation can reach a new level

TEHRAN, 13 March (BelTA) – Belarus and Iran are well positioned to advance cooperation to a new level, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said following the meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran on 13 March, BelTA has learned.

The president noted that on 18 March 2023 Belarus and Iran will celebrate a landmark event - the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. “This is a good occasion to significantly upgrade our cooperation, after all we have every opportunity to do so. And today President Raisi and I have taken advantage of this opportunity,” he said.

“We absolutely trust each other. Our peoples support us in this. We have welcomed significant progress in bilateral trade last year, a three-fold increase over 2021. However, we believe that this lags far behind the potential of the two states,” the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko admitted that the two countries failed to implement some of the agreements, although the parties were on the same page on many things and had a clear understanding of the situation. “Therefore, in the current conditions, it is of fundamental importance to cement our ties, expand contacts and implement all the agreements reached, without delay or red tape,” the president stressed.

Cooperation in science and technology deserves special attention. The existing developments should pave the way for closer collaborations and should be translated into promising commercial projects.

“We will cooperate in all areas, including in the humanitarian sphere, which is one of the main areas of cooperation,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.

Belarus and Iran also intend to strengthen inter-parliamentary contacts.

“I am sure that the road map signed today (a comprehensive cooperation plan), as well as agreements and commercial contracts, will help promote a long-term partnership,” the president of Belarus said.

He thanked his Iranian counterpart for his hospitality, and wished the people of Iran peace and prosperity. Aleksandr Lukashenko also invited Ebrahim Raisi to visit Minsk at a convenient time.

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