Lukashenko on relations with Iran: we found ourselves in the same boat and do not regret it at all
Belarus and Iran are withstanding the external pressure that is being put on them and are developing cooperation. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting with the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Akbar Ahmadian, a correspondent of BELTA reports.
“First of all, I would like to thank you for finding the time to come to Belarus and get acquainted with the modern Belarus of today. Your visit is also important because by the will of fate, perhaps, as you say, it all comes from Allah, we ended up in the same boat and we absolutely do not regret it. They are trying to slander us in the media. We understand this, we are experienced people – there is an information confrontation. Maybe even with elements of information wars. Nevertheless, we are withstanding sanctions and other pressure for now,” the Belarusian leader said.
“During the acute military-political situation in the Middle East (and you are seriously drawn into the conflict in the Middle East), at the borders of Belarus, in this European region, we do not just need consultations, we need joint actions with your country. We are moving towards a multipolar world. This will be a very difficult path. And, fortunately for us, both Iran and other countries understand this well,” noted Alexander Lukashenko.
He noted that new organizations such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, of which Belarus recently became a full member, are gaining momentum very seriously. “In this regard, I would like to thank Iran for the enormous support you provided us when joining the SCO,” the President said.
According to him, in the current difficult situation of confrontation, security issues come to the fore. “But, you must agree that security will be effective when the economy works, when trade and economic relations between countries are very serious and dynamically developing,” said Alexander Lukashenko. – We see a constant increase in trade between the two countries. And, most importantly, we must not allow a slowdown in trade and economic relations. Because this is the basis, the foundation of our actions, our relations.”
The head of state said that Belarus is expecting the visit of the President of Iran, and if the Iranian side accepts this proposal, then it will be necessary to seriously prepare in all areas for the meeting at the highest level: “The economy, and trade and economic relations, and security, and military-technical cooperation. As far as I understand, there are no forbidden topics between us.”
“The main thing, I want you to understand, Belarus has always been a reliable partner of Iran. And we are ready to walk our path with dignity,” Alexander Lukashenko assured.
He also conveyed warm greetings and wishes to the Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei.