Iran, Belarus stress expansion of cooperation

Iran and Belarus have stressed closer cooperation to help promote stability and security in the region.

“Coordination between Iran and Belarus in resolving regional issues should be expanded,” Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said in a meeting with Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich in Minsk on Wednesday.

Heading a parliamentary delegation, Larijani arrived in the Belarusian capital on Wednesday to pay an official visit to the European country at the invitation of Speaker of Belarusian House of Representative Vladimir Andreichenko.

The top Iranian parliamentarian further noted that political consultations between the two countries have contributed heavily to the establishment of stability and security in the region, adding, “Given the crisis in the region, steadfast countries can play a significant role.”

Larijani further stressed, “Iran and Belarus can have industrial cooperation and work toward expanding it.”

The Belarusian prime minster, for his part, termed Larijani’s visit a new chapter in the history of cooperation between the two countries which will bring about good results.

“We enjoy good relations, partnership and mutual respect”, Myasnikovich said and praised Iran for supporting Belarus on the international stage.

“We thank Tehran for backing Belarus in the international arena,” he added.

Larijani also held talks with President Alexander Lukashenko and Andreichenko during his visit to Minsk.

During a meeting with Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey in Tehran in March, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pointed to the friendly, cordial and strong Tehran-Minsk relations and stressed the need to use the existing potential of both countries to enhance bilateral ties in diverse areas.