Iran, Belarus set to boost economic ties amid West bans: VP

Iran’s First Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri says the country is determined to boost economic cooperation with Belarus amid Western sanctions against the two nations.

“Sanctions can never prevent a country from achieving its goals,” Jahangiri said in a meeting with Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei in Tehran on Sunday.

He added that Tehran and Minsk enjoy growing relations in the political and economic sectors, but both sides must take more serious steps to further strengthen their economic ties.

The Iranian vice president said Tehran and Minsk should support each other in the international arena.

Jahangiri emphasized that the two countries have vast potential for improving economic cooperation, adding that the private sectors can help both sides reach this goal.

The Belarusian minister, for his part, said his country would never cut relations with friendly countries over Western pressure and influence.

Makei added that Minsk is ready to boost its ties with Tehran in every field, stressing that the two sides should mainly focus on the expansion of economic cooperation.

Iran and Belarus have developed good relations in recent years, particularly in the economic and trade sectors, and have signed a number of agreements to shore up bilateral cooperation in many areas, including in technical and engineering projects.