TEHRAN: The presidents of Belarus and Iran hailed their close relations in dialogue in Tehran Monday at a time both nations are sharply at odds with Western major powers, including over Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
According to Associated Press (AP) Belarus serves as a rear base for Russian forces, and Tehran is accused of providing Russia with drones for use in the attack — an allegation it denies while proclaiming its neutrality in the Ukraine conflict.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi lauded 30 years of close relations with Belarus following dialogue with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, who arrived Sunday for an official visit.
“Thirty years following the start of ties … the two sides have the will to further strengthen cooperation,” Iranian President said, praising their “shared strategic vision.”
Alexander Lukashenko added that he had observed “with great respect the persistence with which the people of Iran resist external pressures, attempts to enforce the will of others on them (Iranians).” He added that they could be very helpful to each other if they really put their efforts together.
Moscow’s ally Alexander Lukashenko visits Tehran
The two sides signed a roadmap in order to further boost economic, political, and cultural cooperation between Iran and Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko is a Moscow’s close ally, while Iran also maintains close relations with Moscow even as it has stressed a neutral diplomatic position in the Ukraine conflict.
The United States (US) has accused Tehran of providing drones to Moscow, and expressed fear over a “dangerous” escalation in military collaboration between Moscow and Tehran. Iran has denied supplying drones to Russia and said it had finalized a contract to buy Russia’s Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets.
