Iran and Belarus signed a defense cooperation agreement, aiming to enhance military collaboration and address mutual security threats. The pact signifies a commitment to a multipolar world and expands cooperation into military technology and counterterrorism. Both nations criticized Western sanctions and NATO expansion, advocating for independent regional alliances.
On Wednesday, Iran and Belarus formalized their defense partnership through a cooperation agreement aimed at addressing mutual security challenges and promoting a multipolar global order. This pact was signed during a visit by Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh to Minsk, where he met with Belarusian Defense Minister General Viktor Khrenin, highlighting the strengthening military collaboration between the two countries.
During the ceremony, Minister Nasirzadeh underscored the agreement’s significance in “reinforcing defense and security interactions through practical measures.” Minister Khrenin described the pact as essential for fostering “long-term stability in an era of escalating unilateralism.” This agreement builds upon a prior memorandum established in 2023 and broadens their collaboration to include military technology, counterterrorism efforts, and joint training initiatives.
Additionally, the discussions included plans to utilize multilateral platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to manage what Nasirzadeh termed “artificial crises imposed by hegemonic powers.” Both ministers condemned Western sanctions and the expansion of NATO, promoting a notion of “defensive diplomacy” and advocating for regional coalitions that operate independently of U.S. and European influences.
The agreement emphasizes technological exchange, suggesting that Iran’s burgeoning domestic defense manufacturing sector could serve as a basis for future cooperation. The timing of this pact is notable, as it follows various engagements between Iran and Belarus, including a January 2024 meeting between military leaders from both nations, amidst heightened U.S.-EU pressures on them.
Belarus, an ally of Russia and China, has faced significant Western pressure, particularly following the Russo-Ukrainian War, while Iran has endured decades of sanctions. Though the agreement refrains from provocative language, its focus on “multipolarity” and “resistance to coercion” illustrates the shared narrative between Tehran and Minsk regarding their collective positions in the global arena.
In conclusion, the signing of the defense cooperation agreement between Iran and Belarus marks a pivotal development in their military relations, aimed at addressing common security threats and promoting a multipolar world. With an emphasis on defense interactions, technological exchanges, and opposition to Western hegemony, both nations appear committed to strengthening their alliances amidst growing geopolitical challenges.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
