Iran, Belarus FMs stress continuation of upward trend of ties

MINSK, Dec. 15 (MNA) – Iranian and Belarusian foreign ministers met and held talks in Minsk on Monday, during which they stressed that their respective countries will continue the path of stepped-up cooperation through different means.

According to a Mehr correspondent in Minsk, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, in a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Belarus, expressed his gratitude for the Belarusian side's hosting and said: "I sincerely thank you for your invitation and warm hospitality."

"Over the past year, we have had regular and continuous meetings and talks with each other, which indicates the dynamism of the relations between the two countries," Araghchi said.

Touching upon the nature of bilateral relations, he stated, "The relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Belarus are friendly, close, and without any problems."

Referring to the mutual visits of high-ranking officials of the two countries, the top Iranian diplomat said that "The visit of the President of Belarus to Tehran and the reciprocal visit of Dr. Pezeshkian to Belarus are considered a turning point in bilateral relations."

"Good agreements were reached during Dr. Pezeshkian's visit, and I am glad that these agreements have now entered the implementation stage."

Referring to the economic cooperation between the two countries, Araghchi said, "The Iran-Belarus Joint Economic Commission, which was held in Tehran last week, was very successful and good steps were taken towards developing cooperation."

"There have always been very close and constructive consultations on regional issues, international organizations, and human rights issues between the two countries."

"My meeting today with the President of Belarus was also very constructive and positive," the top Iranian diplomat further noted.

Maxim Vladimirovich Ryzhenkov, Foreign Minister of Belarus, for his part said in the meeting that "You and I are considered young ministers, given the length of time we have been in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and despite this relatively short period, good bilateral relations have been formed between the two countries."

"Within the framework of various organizations such as Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, and the United Nations, there are various programs and areas of cooperation between Iran and Belarus that are being continuously pursued," he added.

Referring to the agreement reached in the previous meeting, the Belarusian Foreign Minister said that "I am glad that two months ago in Uganda we agreed that you would travel to Belarus, and today we are witnessing the fulfillment of this promise."

"Your meeting and talks with the President of Belarus were held in a positive and constructive atmosphere, and important and interesting initiatives were brought up during these talks. Now we know very well how we should take steps towards developing bilateral relations," Ryzhenkov added.

"We are witnessing a growing trend of cooperation in all areas, and this progress can be achieved by relying on specific numbers and practical plans on the table," he continued to say.

At the end of his remarks, the Belarusian foreign minister expressed hope that after today's talks, new elements will be added to cooperation and the progress will gain further momentum, and once again expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Iran side.