Aref noted that expanding cooperation in various fields—given the excellent political relations between Tehran and Minsk—is one of Iran’s strategic priorities. He added that the successful convening of the 18th Joint Commission on Iran–Belarus Cooperation provides an excellent opportunity to deepen comprehensive bilateral relations.
The First Vice President also highlighted the close positions of Iran and Belarus in international forums and their participation in various regional organizations, stressing that these shared views necessitate strengthening and expanding cooperation in all areas. He stated that the level of trade and economic exchanges must increase through reinforcing the Joint Commission.
Aref pointed out that the recent visit of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Belarus opened a new horizon for bilateral relations. Referring to his own bilateral meeting with the Belarusian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the Shanghai Summit, he said that high‑level visits and initiatives such as the Joint Commission meetings play a significant role in enhancing cooperation, especially in the economic sector.
He emphasized that the private sectors of both countries can play an important role in increasing trade volume, and both sides should encourage private‑sector economic actors to expand commercial ties, particularly in light of the Free Trade Agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Aref also identified tourism development as another promising area for strengthening cooperation. He added that academic, scientific, and technological collaboration—especially in emerging technologies—can create new opportunities for bilateral and multilateral partnerships, given Iran’s valuable achievements and Belarus’s capacities.
Referring to the Fourth Eurasia International Trade Exhibition, the First Vice President said that such events can help showcase Iran’s capabilities and expand economic interactions among Eurasian countries.
Andrei Kuznetsov, the Belarusian Minister of Industry, also stressed that Belarus is fully prepared to expand relations with Iran in various fields. He noted that the 18th Joint Commission and the agreements reached during the meeting can significantly strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
Highlighting joint industrial production, he stated that Belarus has set clear goals for expanding cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Belarusian Minister described Iran as a “friendly and brotherly country” and added that during this visit, the two sides achieved the desired outcomes for strengthening bilateral relations. He emphasized the need to further activate the private and non‑governmental sectors and noted that the successful Joint Commission meeting demonstrated the potential for expanding the volume of trade between the two countries.
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