The development of trade and economic relations is a priority in the cooperation between Belarus and Iran. This was stated by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, on December 15 during a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

The Head of State first thanked Abbas Araghchi for his visit to Belarus during this challenging time, when the international situation remains tense. "Apparently, because it is one of the closest, friendly countries to your country," Alexander Lukashenko suggested.

The President noted that during such visits, the parties usually summarize certain results and outline work plans for the future, both in the near and more distant future. In this sense, the visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister to Belarus is no exception. Both countries are already implementing a roadmap for comprehensive cooperation for 2023-"For us, the economy is the priority of priorities. Therefore, I propose not only to talk about trade and economic relations with such a huge country as Iran, where we can do a lot for Iran, we have certain opportunities and interest, but also, perhaps, to define some directions of the roadmap, the plan that will be determined in the near future," said the head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko, recalling his visits to Iran, the negotiations held and the agreements reached, drew attention to the commitment and reliability of Belarus as a business partner. "I have not found that we, from Belarus, have failed to fulfill even one of the points of the agreements. This is our principled position, we always adhere to it in agreements with other countries - to faithfully fulfill what we have promised," the President stated.

The head of state also conveyed the warmest congratulations and wishes to the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, and the President of that country, Masoud Pezeshkian.

In turn, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed warm greetings from Ali Khamenei and Masoud Pezeshkian, and congratulated Alexander Lukashenko and the entire Belarusian people on the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.

"As you rightly noted, our relations are completely friendly, there are no obstacles or problems. The basis of our interaction is economic cooperation, which is developing daily. Your visit to Tehran and the visit of Iranian President Mr. Pezeshkian to Minsk were truly key milestones in the development of bilateral interaction," stated Abbas Araghchi.

He also noted that recently the parties held a successful regular meeting of the intergovernmental commission and the Minister of Industry of Belarus paid a visit to Tehran. "It was a very successful commission meeting. We are very pleased. Substantive, good agreements were reached. I am here today to work through all these issues in more detail," said the head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and Iran has been characterized by positive dynamics in recent years. If in 2020 the trade turnover between the countries was at the level of $24.7 million, then in 2024 it exceeded $125 million, and for January-October of this year it already amounted to $103.6 million. Belarusian exports are also steadily growing. In 2020, their volume was slightly less than $13 million, and in 2024 it approached $100 million. Belarus mainly supplies timber, synthetic fibers, and potash fertilizers to Iran. From Iran, mainly vegetables, lettuce, turbojet and turboprop engines, and gas turbines are imported.

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