Belarus-Iran cooperation expands over last five years

MINSK, 10 December (BelTA) – Over the last five years Belarus-Iran cooperation expanded greatly, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Iran to the Republic of Belarus HE Seyyed Abdollah Hosseini said as he met with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on 10 December.

The diplomat stressed that for the period of his work in Belarus serious steps had been taken to develop the Belarusian-Iranian relations. “Iranian investment to Belarus totaled nearly $6 million when I came here in September 2008. In December 2010 this figure exceeded $960 million in banking capital and investment,” the Ambassador underlined.

In his words, the trade between Belarus and Iran has soared three times over the last four years. The diplomat added that BelAZ supplies to Iran contributed a great part to it.

Over the period under review the bilateral cooperation has expanded from 10 to 75 areas in economy, science and culture. The two countries have so far signed 38 interstate and ministerial agreements.

Belarus’ main exports to Iran are trucks, acrylic fiber, metal products, tyres and bearings. Iran supplies fruit and dried fruit, rice, nuts and herbs to Belarus.