Iran, Belarus Sign Cooperation Deal Despite Western Concerns
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
TEHRAN/MINSK/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Iran pledged to support Belarus in overcoming Western sanctions as they signed a cooperation agreement during a state visit by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to Tehran.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said Monday that Tehran made United States and Western sanctions into “opportunities” for itself.
He stressed that Tehran was ready to share its experiences with the sanctions with “friendly” Belarus. Both countries oppose “unilateralism,” Raisi said.
Belarus is facing sanctions such as massive import bans and the freezing of assets over its crackdown on dissent following disputed presidential elections and supporting Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.
Iran was punished economically over its perceived poor human rights record and concerns about its nuclear weapons program.
Tehran claims its nuclear program is for “peaceful” purposes, but Israel and others say the country could soon have an atomic bomb.
30 YEARS RELATIONS
Despite these controversies, Lukashenko arrived in the Iranian capital late Sunday and was officially received by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday.
The visit came as the two countries marked 30 years of official diplomatic relations.
The two leaders and their delegations held talks, at the end of which they signed eight agreements on trade, mining, and transportation, among other things.
“Today we achieved an agreement on a comprehensive roadmap between Iran and Belarus,” Raisi told reporters after his talks with Lukashenko.
“This comprehensive roadmap between Iran and Belarus outlines political and economic conditions and encompasses all areas of interest between the two countries.”
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