Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko intends to visit Tehran soon to discuss the economic components of Belarus-Iran relations.

President Lukashenko made the remarks at a meeting with Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iranian Foreign Minister, BelTA reported.

Noting that political and diplomatic relations with Iran are at a high level as opposed to the economic ones, Lukashenko said, therefore, he intends to focus on economy during his visit.

He said Belarus is open for cooperation with Tehran, noting that Iran’s investments in the Belarusian economy testify to this. In particular, over $ 600 million were invested in the Belarusian projects.

Meanwhile, Andrei Kobyakov, Belarusian Prime Minister said Minsk plans to increase exports of industrial, petrochemical and agricultural products to Iran.

He said at a meeting with the Iranian counterpart on February 17 that Belarus sees interests in the dynamic development of export to Iran including popular and well-known commodities and petrochemical and agricultural products.

Kobyakov also noted that Minsk considers Iran as a reliable partner, an influential state and an authoritative participant in international relations. However, he said despite the fact that the parties have reached good results in cooperation in investment, science and technology, education and culture, the volume of mutual trade between the two countries is still small, about $ 100 million.

He blamed the unilateral financial and economic sanctions against Iran in the last two years, saying it significantly impeded the mutual payments for Belarusian products.

Kobyakov also expressed confidence that in the short term, trade and economic cooperation between the two countries can reach a qualitatively new level. He noted the willingness of Belarus to take all necessary measures for realizing the available prospects of practical content.

In 2014, the Belarusian exports to Iran amounted to 97 million dollars. Imports from Iran increased by 1.1 percent and amounted to 9.7 million dollars. Key exports to Iran are potassium fertilizers, trucks, metal. Belarus imports from Iran mainly fruits and dried fruits and medicines.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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