Belarus, Iran vow to cement ties, stand in the face of sanctions

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Mar 2023 21:04

The two presidents agree on a roadmap to increase political, economic, and cultural cooperation.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (L) meets with Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi in Tehran on March 13, 2023. (Iranian Presidency)

The presidents of Iran and Belarus praised their close ties during talks in Tehran Monday at a time both countries are sharply at odds with Western powers, most notably regarding the war in Ukraine.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi hailed three decades of close relations with Belarus after talks with his counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, who arrived late Sunday for a two-day visit.

"Thirty years after the start of relations... the two countries have the will to strengthen cooperation," Raisi said, applauding their "common strategic vision".

Lukashenko said he had monitored "with great respect the perseverance with which the (Iranian) people fight external pressures, attempts to impose the will of others on them".

"And I see that, despite everything, you are developing modern technologies and nuclear energy," in reference to Iran's nuclear program.

It is worth noting that Iran has constantly denied seeking to acquire an atomic weapon.

"We could be very helpful to each other if we really put our efforts together," added Lukashenko.

The two presidents agreed on a roadmap to increase political, economic, and cultural cooperation. According to the state news agency IRNA, Lukashenko and his delegation later met with Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Sayyed Khamenei: Sanctioned states need to cooperate to shatter those bans

"Countries sanctioned by the United States should work together and form a group to eliminate the tactic of sanctions, and we think that can be done," Khamenei said, cited by IRNA.

Sayyed Khamenei further added, "The severe sanctions made Iran aware of its capabilities and internal strengths. During this time, the sanctions provided the ground for many developments in Iran and our country was able to advance outstandingly in various fields including science and technology, medicine and biology, aerospace science, nuclear technology, and nanotechnology."

Recalling the fields of cooperation between Iran and Belarus in the fields of science and technology, commerce, and political activities in international spheres, the Supreme Leader referred to the International North-South Transport Corridor, adding, "The establishment of the North-South Transport Corridor is in the interest of both countries, as well as Russia and the region. Both sides should work hard to create it."

Ayatollah Khamenei underlined that agreements and talks should not conclude in meetings, but should be implemented and followed up at certain predetermined times.

On his part, the Belarusian president stated, "I have come to Iran to assure you that I am determined to open a new page in the relations between the two countries, and with the cooperation and will of the Iranian president, we will implement all agreements with special follow-up and at certain ascertained times.”

The president of Belarus emphasized that “the Islamic Republic of Iran has achieved amazing experiences and progress during the sanctions period, and we believe that if we take advantage of the conditions of the sanctions properly, it can be used as an opportunity to make progress. I made this trip to Iran in order to familiarize myself with Iran’s achievements."

"The current difficult international situation has shown us who our true and fake friends are. We are determined to have special cooperation with our real partners," Lukashenko added.

This marks Lukashenko's third visit to Tehran. His last visit was in 2006.