Tehran (AFP) – The presidents of Iran and Belarus praised their nations’ shut ties throughout talks in Tehran on Monday, however each nations are at bitter odds with the West, together with over Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.
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The former Soviet state of Belarus serves as a rear base for Russian forces, and Iran is suspected of supplying Moscow with armed drones used within the invasion, a cost Iran denies whereas declaring neutrality within the battle. .
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi praised 30 years of shut ties with Belarus after a gathering with President Alexander Lukashenko, who arrived late Sunday for a two-day go to.
“Three a long time after the start of our relationship, our two nations are prepared to strengthen our cooperation,” Raisi mentioned, praising the 2 nations’ “frequent strategic imaginative and prescient.”
Lukashenko mentioned he noticed “with deep respect the perseverance of the (Iranian) individuals in resisting exterior stress and makes an attempt to impose another person’s will.”
Regarding Iran’s nuclear program, which has triggered extreme worldwide sanctions in opposition to the nation, he added: “Despite the whole lot, I see that you’re growing fashionable expertise and nuclear vitality.” .
Iran denies searching for to accumulate nuclear weapons.
‘Working collectively’
Lukashenko has lengthy been topic to U.S. sanctions for rights violations and different costs.
Lukashenko added: “If we actually work collectively, we will probably be of nice assist to one another.”
The two presidents didn’t point out the conflict in Ukraine of their assertion, however they signed a roadmap to strengthen political, financial and cultural cooperation.
President Lukashenko and his delegation then met with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, in response to state information company IRNA.
“Countries beneath sanctions from the United States ought to cooperate and type a gaggle to get rid of sanctions ways, and I believe it’s attainable,” Khamenei mentioned, IRNA reported. .
Lukashenko is an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Tehran maintains shut ties with Russia whereas emphasizing its diplomatic stance of neutrality within the Ukraine conflict.
The US authorities has accused Iran of supplying suicide drones to Russia and expressed alarm at a “harmful” escalation in army cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.
Iran has denied sending drones to Russia particularly to be used in Ukraine, however introduced it has finalized a deal to purchase Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets.
Lukashenko visited China earlier this month and expressed help for Beijing’s proposal to mediate efforts to finish the conflict in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s neighbor Belarus doesn’t ship troopers to struggle alongside Russian forces, however its territory serves as a rear base for troops from Moscow.
According to state-run Belta information company, Lukashenko’s go to to Iran is the third by a Belarusian president and the primary in 17 years.
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