BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

21/01/2007

Iran, Belarus to enhance defense ties

TEHRAN, Jan.21 (ISNA)-Iran's defense minister, Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad Najjar and his Belarusian counterpart, Leonid Maltsev met for their first round of talks today at the ministry of defense international conference hall, here.

Maltsev arrived here on Sunday at the head of a high-ranking delegation at the invitation of Mohammad Najjar.

In the meeting, Najjar referred to the fundamental policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran as to enhance multidimensional ties with "friendly and independent countries".

"Defense and security transactions and cooperation with various countries are on Iran's agenda," stated Najjar.

He also referred to the inclination of both countries to enhance defense ties as an appropriate symbol of cooperation among two independent countries and their respective political leaders, while asserting that Belarus stood elevated in the foreign policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"Despite the absence of a joint borderline and considering the distance, the mutual viewpoints of both countries towards regional and international issues have resulted in the generation of mutual ties," he reiterated.

For his part, Maltsev expressed his satisfaction about his trip to Tehran and referred to the visit of the Belarusian President to Iran as the turning point in Iran-Belarus relationships.

"Undoubtedly, exerting the previously made agreements would serve as a proper ground for enhancement of ties in all fields," he said.

The Belarusian defense minister also renounced double standard policies and approaches of some countries, while noting that Iran played a significant role in regional and international equations.

Source:

http://www.isna.ir/Main/NewsView.aspx?ID=News-864675&Lang=E