Iran’s foreign minister: “Belarus and we have a common motto”

• 12.12.2008, 8:17

Belarus and Iran have similar view on issues of foreign and inner policy, Foreign Minister of Iran Manouchehr Mottaki said.

The politician commented on the results of a meeting with his Belarusian colleague Syarhei Martynau in Minsk on December 11, BelaPAN reports.

According to him, Belarus and Iran closely cooperate in international organizations defending interests of the two countries and countries of Non-Aligned Movement. The Iranian foreign ministry noted the countries “have a common motto and are interested in well-being of our peoples”.

“Our relations are coherent and are based on mutual understanding. We have excellent political ties. Rates of our trade and economic relations grow fast. Our development of trade, energy, and investments has gained momentum,” the Iranian minister said.

Head of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affaires Syarhei Martynau said Iran was “an important and prior partner for Belarus”. He noted the countries we working together to add a serious economic dimension to this cooperation of the two countries.

“As you know, economic cooperation and trade are growing rapidly, rates of cooperation doubled in 2007, and have shown 1.5-fold growth in 2008. We think we should continue our cooperation and have had an extensive discussion of new joint projects,” S. Martynau stressed.

Answering a question about relations between Belarus and the United States, S. Martynau said: “the US took steps to soften sanction on Belarus a couple of months ago. At present we are working on further steps to normalize our relations.”