WANA (Dec 15) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Belarusian counterpart Maksim Ryzhenkov held talks in Minsk, stressing the expansion of bilateral cooperation and close coordination on regional and international issues. The meeting was followed by a joint press conference and the signing of three cooperation documents.
Araghchi: Iran and Belarus Share Close Views and Strategic Cooperation
Speaking at a joint press conference following the talks, Seyed Abbas Araghchi thanked the Belarusian government for its official invitation and hospitality, saying he had held “very good, constructive, and productive” talks with the Belarusian foreign minister that played an important role in advancing bilateral relations.
He noted that Iran and Belarus share similar views on many international and regional issues and maintain close cooperation in international forums, adding that the two sides also hold common positions on regional developments.
Araghchi expressed appreciation for the Belarusian government’s stance in condemning what he described as aggressive attacks by Israel and the United States against Iran, thanking the government and people of Belarus for their solidarity and support for the Iranian nation.
Highlighting Belarus’ special place in Iran’s foreign policy, Araghchi said Tehran is ready, within its policy of expanding relations with independent and like-minded countries, to use all available capacities in both countries to serve the interests of their peoples.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Belarusian counterpart Maksim Ryzhenkov. Social media/ WANA News Agency
He described the visit of the Belarusian president last year and the visit of Iran’s president to Belarus in August as two major milestones in bilateral relations, saying these exchanges led to a significant boost in political and economic cooperation.
Referring to the meeting of the Iran–Belarus Joint Economic Commission held in Tehran last week, Araghchi said important and valuable agreements were reached, reflecting the serious determination of both sides to continue cooperation and make better use of existing economic capacities.
The Iranian foreign minister added that Iran and Belarus cooperate within regional and international mechanisms, including the Eurasian Economic Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS, and are determined to use these frameworks to advance shared interests.
Expressing optimism about the future of Tehran–Minsk relations, Araghchi thanked Belarusian officials for their meetings, discussions, and readiness to expand bilateral cooperation.
He noted that both Iran and Belarus are subject to unilateral sanctions and cooperate in countering such measures, adding that both countries are members of the UN Charter Friends group.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Belarusian counterpart Maksim Ryzhenkov. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Araghchi concluded by saying that the two sides agreed to outline a one-year roadmap for bilateral cooperation, identifying practical steps to better utilize the capacities of both countries.
Belarusian Foreign Minister: Relations Based on Sovereignty and Multipolarity
Speaking at the same press conference, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov said the discussions were held in a “very warm and trust-based atmosphere,” reflecting the nature of relations between “good friends and reliable partners.”
He emphasized that the high level of relations between Minsk and Tehran is based on respect for the principles of sovereignty, peace, and multipolarity.
Ryzhenkov noted that Iran and Belarus cooperate successfully in international arenas and, as countries under sanctions pressure, condemn the use of economic restrictions that contradict international law, harm ordinary people, and exacerbate tensions.
The Belarusian foreign minister also highlighted successful cooperation between the two countries within multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, stressing that these platforms represent the voice of the global majority and serve the national interests of member states.
During the visit, Araghchi and Ryzhenkov signed and exchanged three documents: a Joint Declaration on Strategic Principles for Countering Unilateral Coercive Measures and Mitigating Their Negative Consequences, a Joint Declaration on Strengthening the Role of International Law in International Relations, and a Cooperation Program between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Iran and Belarus for 2026–2030.
Earlier, Araghchi also paid tribute to the victims of World War II by laying a wreath at the Victory Monument in the Belarusian capital and met with the Belarusian President.