Iranian FM arrives in Minsk

Iran's Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi arrived in Minsk on an official visit to confer with Belarusian high-ranking officials. During the two day visit, Salehi will meet with his Belarusian counterpart on examining avenues to further broaden ties and cooperation between the two countries, according to the official (IRNA) News Agency. The two sides are scheduled to review issues of mutual interests along with regional and international developments under current sensitive conditions. Bilateral trade between Iran and Belarus has significantly expanded as the two countries have been cooperating in many areas including in technical and engineering projects. Speaking to reporters in Minsk airport, Salehi stressed the importance of expansion of relations between Iran and Belarus. Pointing to recent joint economic commissions between Iran and Belarus, he added that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is keen on development of relations between Tehran and Minsk. The Iranian Foreign Minister expressed opinion that there is a good background for cooperation between the two countries in various fields including health, science, education and agriculture.