WANA (Aug 20) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described bilateral relations between Iran and Belarus as developing, stressing that the current volume of trade is negligible compared to existing capacities and must be enhanced. He emphasized that relations between the two nations should be built on deeper and more sustainable foundations.

 

Speaking at a meeting of the high-level delegations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Belarus, President Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for the clear and firm positions of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in condemning the aggressive attacks of the Israeli regime and the United States against the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its peaceful nuclear facilities.

 

Pezeshkian said: “Your speech at the Eurasian Economic Union summit was highly influential—especially where you referred to the bitter experience of the Chernobyl nuclear plant explosion and expressed deep solidarity with the government and people of Iran over the targeting of civilian areas and our nuclear facilities.”

 

He added: “The Zionist regime and the United States, in blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, attacked the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran. These assaults took place amid indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S. regarding the nuclear issue.

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran has never been the initiator of war or aggression, but in the event of any enemy attack, it will deliver a decisive and deterrent response.”

 

The president stressed that the aggression by the U.S. and Israel against Iran is part of the West’s broader attempt to expand its influence and global dominance, warning that such threats are not limited to Iran but also target the independence of other nations.

meeting of the high-level delegations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Belarus

The meeting of the high-level delegations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Belarus on August 20, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Highlighting shared positions of the two countries in confronting illegal sanctions and supporting multilateralism and national sovereignty, Pezeshkian said: “Iran is prepared to share its valuable experiences in neutralizing sanctions with its friends and partners.”

 

He noted that representatives of Iran and Belarus have always maintained close consultations and cooperation in international organizations, and Tehran is ready to further strengthen these ties.

 

“Just as Iran signed a strategic cooperation treaty with the Russian Federation, we are prepared to pursue a similar model within the framework of friendly and brotherly relations with Belarus,” he said.

 

Congratulating Belarus on its membership in BRICS, Pezeshkian added: “We believe that strengthening and consolidating the role of emerging economic structures and organizations such as the Eurasian Economic Union, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will create new grounds for developing economic and political cooperation among members.”

 

Reiterating that bilateral relations are progressing, Pezeshkian stressed: “People-to-people exchanges must grow in parallel with intergovernmental ties. I will personally follow up on the agreements reached between the two countries. The current trade volume is insignificant compared to capacities and must be increased. Relations between our two nations should be founded on deeper and more stable bases.”

 

During the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi referred to the longstanding ties between Tehran and Minsk, noting, “Over the past three decades, valuable cooperation has taken shape between the two countries.

 

In just the past year, bilateral trade has grown by 14 percent, and there is potential for even greater expansion. Visa cancellation can play a key role in enhancing bilateral cooperation. Moreover, drafting a joint strategic roadmap could elevate relations to a new and sustainable level.”

 

Also speaking at the session, Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri emphasized the Iranian people’s interest in Belarus, stating:

 

“Every year, about nine million Iranian tourists travel to destinations across the world, and we would like a portion of them to visit Belarus. Conversely, Iran has vast potential for attracting Belarusian tourists. The removal of visa requirements and establishment of direct flights—through decisions by the two presidents—can eliminate barriers to tourism cooperation.”

 

On the sidelines of his meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that Western sanctions against Tehran and Minsk amount to “economic terrorism.”

 

Lukashenko described the baseless sanctions imposed by Western countries on Belarus and Iran as economic terrorism and stated: “We are working to build a multipolar world — a world in which every country determines its own path of development independently and without foreign interference.”

 

He added: “Minsk is successfully resisting these challenges and the aggressive economic war.”

 

The Belarusian president emphasized that with the active steps and participation of both Belarus and Iran within the framework of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and other groups that are shaping a new, fair, and constructive agenda for international cooperation, resistance against economic sanctions will be supported and made possible.

 

Lukashenko also underlined that his government welcomes Iran’s deep and constructive participation in trade and economic processes within the Eurasian Economic Union.

 

Referring to the recent 12-day conflict, he condemned the attacks by the Zionist regime and emphasized that the strikes carried out by Tel Aviv and Washington against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure — facilities that are also under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency — represent a serious threat to regional and international stability.

 

“We support Iran’s legitimate right to develop peaceful nuclear energy,” Lukashenko said. “For the achievement of lasting peace, it is important to avoid any actions that could trigger new tensions.”

 

At a joint press conference with Pezeshkian, the Belarusian president further acknowledged that the Iranian leader’s official trip to Belarus marks a new stage in the development of bilateral relations.

 

Addressing Pezeshkian, he said: “Your visit opens a new stage in the development of Tehran–Minsk relations and strengthens our partnership on the basis of mutual respect and trust. Under today’s complex and turbulent geopolitical conditions, we are striving to take consistent and balanced steps to further expand cooperation so that we can turn every new challenge into a new opportunity.”

A video circulating on Belarusian social media shows the country’s National Library illuminated in the colors of the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran, coinciding with President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Minsk. The gesture was made as a symbol of friendship and solidarity between the two nations. Social media/ WANA News Agency