Minsk, Belarus – August 20, 2025 – The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Belarus have significantly strengthened their bilateral ties with the signing of twelve new cooperation agreements during an official visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Minsk. The agreements, which cover a wide range of sectors including politics, international law, health, pharmaceuticals, industry, environment, free trade zones, tourism, culture, media, and investment, signal a deepening strategic alignment between the two nations.
The high-level talks between President Pezeshkian and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko underscored a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes. Both leaders expressed a unified stance against what they termed "Western unilateralism" and the imposition of sanctions, viewing these measures as detrimental to global stability and economic progress. President Lukashenko characterized these restrictions as "economic terrorism," emphasizing that both countries are actively countering such measures through their collaborative efforts within international organizations.
Central to the discussions was the implementation of a comprehensive cooperation roadmap for 2023-2026, a framework initially established during President Lukashenko's visit to Tehran in March 2023. This roadmap outlines extensive collaboration across political, economic, scientific, and cultural spheres. The recent meetings resulted in the signing of twelve new agreements, reinforcing the commitment to bolster economic and political connectivity and reinforce independent multilateral partnerships.
Both nations highlighted their shared participation in multilateral platforms such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS, viewing these as crucial for shaping a new, more equitable international order. President Pezeshkian welcomed Iran's increasing involvement in the EAEU, noting that a free trade agreement between the two entities would expand trade routes and open new markets, thereby strengthening economic security for all participants.
President Pezeshkian articulated that Iran sees no limitations to expanding its relationship with Belarus, viewing the country as a vital partner in the strategic Eurasian region. He noted Belarus's consistent support for Iran's positions in international forums, including condemnation of Israeli actions and addressing the conflict in Gaza. This mutual support, coupled with shared viewpoints on regional and international issues, provides a strong foundation for implementing the newly signed agreements and fostering deeper collaboration.
The visit underscores Iran's strategic outreach to Eastern European nations as a move to enhance resilience against sanctions and build economic and political bridges. The agreements are expected to yield tangible results in boosting trade volumes, facilitating joint investments, improving transit capabilities, and addressing challenges faced by the private sectors of both nations. This diplomatic engagement reflects a broader global trend of nations seeking to forge stronger alliances and create more diversified economic and political networks independent of traditional Western influence.