Iran and Belarus Can Overcome Sanctions Through Cooperation
WANA (Aug 20) – Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, arrived in Minsk on Wednesday morning, August 20, at the official invitation of President Alexander Lukashenko, where he was received with a formal welcome at the Presidential Palace of Belarus. The ceremony included the playing of both national anthems, an inspection of the honor guard, and the introduction of the two presidents’ high-level delegations.
Following the welcoming ceremony, the two leaders held a bilateral meeting, after which a joint session of their high-ranking delegations was scheduled. Cooperation agreements between Iran and Belarus were also set to be signed, and the two presidents were expected to brief the press on the outcomes of their talks.
Official Welcome for the Iranian President in Belarus. Social Media / WANA News Agency
During his discussions with Lukashenko, Pezeshkian stressed that despite external pressures and sanctions, both Tehran and Minsk believe they can overcome challenges through closer cooperation. He said: “Iran and Belarus, in addition to their friendly bilateral ties, also maintain constructive cooperation in international forums. The Eurasian Economic Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS provide important platforms for strengthening these relations.”
Criticizing the approach of the United States and some European countries in what he described as attempts to impose “unilateralism,” Pezeshkian added: “This path is unacceptable for Iran and Belarus. Both countries believe they have the necessary capabilities to withstand pressures and can jointly overcome sanctions through serious cooperation.”
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, welcoming his Iranian counterpart, underlined that “the delay in making this trip has not diminished its importance.” He described Iran as a “friend and reliable partner” of Belarus and, recalling his visit to Tehran and meeting with Iran’s Leader, emphasized that Belarus is ready to remove obstacles in the way of cooperation and elevate relations to the highest level.
