28 January 2010
Alexander Lukashenko meets with Head of Presidential Office of Iran 28 January
MINSK, 28 January (BelTA) – President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko thinks that Belarus and Iran do not exploit their huge cooperation potential fully. The Belarusian leader made this statement as he met with Head of the Presidential Office of Iran Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie on 28 January, BelTA has learnt. “The cooperation potential of our countries is enormous, but it is almost untapped. I am convinced that today’s meetings will help us finally settle the most challenging issues in the economy, trade and economic cooperation,” the head of state said. The Belarusian President thanked his Iranian counterpart for the passed decisions aimed at intensification of the bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Iran is Belarus’ traditional trading partner. In January-November 2009, the bilateral trade made up $65.2 million. The two countries set up the Belarusian-Iranian commission for economic cooperation and the joint committee for cooperation in industry and mines. The legal framework of both the countries includes 35 interstate and interdepartmental agreements. Belarus and Iran signed a package of the basic economic agreements. Belarus’ main exports to Iran are metal products, tractors, potash fertiliser. Belarus imports cars, spare parts for them and fruits from Iran. The participation of private Iranian companies in implementation of a number investment projects on construction and infrastructure modernization in Belarus is promising. The sides are discussing the participation of the Iranian side in the construction of hotel and housing development, the construction of the transport and logistics center Prilesie in the Minsk Free Economic Zone, the construction of the multifunctional business and trading center Chervensky, the trade and business center Kayson in Minsk. There are two banks with the Iranian capital operate in Belarus. The Belarusian head of state pointed out to the similar stance of Belarus and Iran towards the topical issues of international agenda. The two countries support each other at elections in UN system’s bodies. Belarus and Iran have similar viewpoints on the basic issues of the international agenda including the establishment of the just world order. “The special thing about your visit is that it is well-timed. I think that we will be able to discuss all the issues without diplomatic embellishments,” Alexander Lukashenko said as he addressed the Iranian guest. He added that he is interested in “learning about the situation in Iran, the major challenges the country is facing now first hand.” The Head of the Presidential Office of Iran pointed out to the friendly relations between the two countries. “Our countries are in the same conditions, they pursue the same goals to expand the bilateral cooperation and remain free and independent at the same time. Belarus and Iran are globally recognized for fighting for their independence and honoring their commitments,” he said.БЕЛТА