Belarusian President Highlights Iran as Key Ally, Calls for Enhanced Cooperation

Minsk, The Gulf Observer: Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized the strategic importance of Iran as a key ally during a meeting with Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), in Minsk on Friday. Lukashenko extended an official invitation for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Belarus, calling for deeper ties between the two nations amid the evolving global political landscape.

Speaking at the meeting, President Lukashenko acknowledged the complexities of the current world order and the shift toward a multilateral system. He underscored the necessity of enhanced cooperation with Iran, particularly in economic sectors, stating that a strong economy is crucial for maintaining national security.

Lukashenko expressed gratitude for Iran’s continued support in Belarus’s successful bid for membership in international groups such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS group of emerging economies. He highlighted the opportunities these platforms present for independent countries like Belarus and Iran.

In response, Ali Akbar Ahmadian reaffirmed Iran’s long-standing alliance with Belarus, expressing optimism about the future expansion of bilateral cooperation. He noted the growing decline of U.S. influence on the world stage and pointed to the emergence of a new global order centered in the East, including Asia and Africa, as inevitable.

The meeting underscored the mutual desire of both countries to strengthen their economic and strategic partnerships in the face of changing international dynamics.