BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

21/01/2007

Belarus Ready to Promote Defense Ties with Iran

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Belarusian Defense Minister Leonid Maltsev voiced his country's preparedness to promote mutual defense ties with the Islamic Republic, stressing Iran's significant role and standing in regional and global equations.

Maltsev made the remarks during his first round of talks with Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad Najjar here on Sunday, a statement released by the Defense Ministry said.

During the meeting, the Iranian general pointed to Iran's principled policy for developing all-out ties and cooperation with independent and friendly states, and stressed that convergence and defense as well as security interactions with different world countries set the agenda of his ministry.

He said that expansion of Iran-Belarus defense cooperation illustrates the resolve of the two countries' political leaders and serves as an excellent symbol of cooperation between the two independent countries.

Saying that Iran attaches special significance to its relations with the Republic of Belarus, Najjar also underlined that the two countries' common views about regional and international issues has incited desirable mutual cooperation between the two states.

"During the past 28 years since the start of its political life, the Islamic Iran has always sought constructive cooperation and dialogues when interacting with other world countries as it believes that understanding, friendship and cooperation provide for the interests of nations and governments opening the route to peace, tranquility, development and progress in the world," he underscored.

For his part, Belarusian Defense Minister Leonid Maltsev voiced pleasure with his visit to the Islamic Republic and further described the recent visit to Tehran by his president as a cornerstone in the two countries' relations.

"No doubt, execution of the agreements signed during that visit would pave a proper ground for the expansion of cooperation in all areas," he continued.

The Belarusian official denounced dual policies and double standards practiced by some world countries when dealing with global issues, and said that his country shares Iran's view points in this regard.

To conclude his remarks, the Belarusian defense minister expressed the hope that his visit to Tehran would activate the two countries' defense ties.

Source:

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8511010537