OREANDA-NEWS. December 15, 2008. Belarus and Iran praise the process in the implementation of joint projects and think of new cooperation areas, reported the Official website www.government.by.

At a meeting with Foreign Minister of Iran Manouchehr Mottaki, Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Sidorsky said that a lot had been done to make the banking systems of the two countries closer, “the Belarusian companies work in Iran, the Iranian companies operate in Belarus”.

“I am pleased to see a large group of managers of the Iranian companies, those who are really concerned with the economy as we have something to discuss at a high level,” he said. According to Sergei Sidorsky, in the global financial crisis a lot depends on the people engaged in the real sector of the economy.

Addressing Manouchehr Mottaki, the Belarusian Premier said: “Our meetings are regular. A high political dialogue between the Heads of State adds impetus to them”. According to Sergei Sidorsky, the Belarusian side is ready to discuss all important issues related to the bilateral projects, to do everything possible to implement them.

Manouchehr Mottaki emphasized: “Our bilateral cooperation is directly related to the mutual understanding, mutual interest and assistance. Belarus and Iran do their utmost to protect their independence, promote healthy and constructive cooperation with other countries. We need our relations to be strengthened and expanded”.

Over the last three years the sides mapped out the cooperation areas and began the implementation of joint projects. The new cooperation areas include oil development at the Jofeir oil field. The financial issues of this project are set to be discussed during the current visit of the Iranian delegation, Manouchehr Mottaki said.

In January-October 2008, Belarus-Iran trade totaled US83.9 million (34.1% up over the same point of last year). The exports made up US 76.1 million (39.7%), imports - US 7.8 million (96.4%). Belarus mainly exports potash fertilizers, synthetic fibre, trucks and tractors. Belarus imports Iranian fruit and cars. The two sides are going to cooperate in the deliveries of Belarus’ meat and dairy products to Iran.