Iran and Belarus have signed a defense cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening military ties and addressing mutual security concerns. This agreement emphasizes technological exchange, counterterrorism, and training, responding to increased pressures from Western nations. Both countries advocate for a multipolar world order and ‘defensive diplomacy’.
On Wednesday, Iran and Belarus solidified their military alliance by signing a defense cooperation agreement in Minsk. Both nations regard this agreement as essential for addressing mutual security threats and fostering a multipolar world order, thereby enhancing their strategic partnership.
The agreement was formalized during a visit by Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh to Minsk, where he met with Belarusian Defense Minister General Viktor Khrenin. This pact exemplifies the strengthening military collaboration between the two countries.
During the signing ceremony, Minister Nasirzadeh underscored the importance of the agreement in “reinforcing defense and security interactions through practical measures,” while Minister Khrenin described it as a basis for “long-term stability in an era of escalating unilateralism.”
This new accord builds upon a 2023 memorandum of understanding, extending joint efforts in military technology, counterterrorism, and collaborative training programs. Another key topic of discussion focused on utilizing multilateral platforms, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), to tackle what Nasirzadeh referred to as “artificial crises imposed by hegemonic powers.”
Both ministers expressed their concerns over Western sanctions and NATO expansion, advocating for a strategy of “defensive diplomacy” and promoting regional alliances that operate independently from U.S. or European influences. The agreement also emphasizes the potential for technological exchange, leveraging Iran’s advanced domestic defense manufacturing capabilities for future cooperation.
The signing of this agreement follows months of engagement between Iran and Belarus, including a notable meeting earlier in January 2024 between Iranian Army Chief Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi and Belarusian Air Force Commander Major General Andrey Lukyanovich. Regional analysts indicate that the timing is particularly significant given the increasing pressure from the U.S. and EU on both countries.
Belarus, which maintains close ties with Russia and China, has faced mounting pressure from Western nations, a situation that has escalated since the Russo-Ukrainian War. Concurrently, Iran has been subjected to decades of Western sanctions, suggesting that both nations are increasingly aligned in their geopolitical challenges and responses.
The recent defense cooperation agreement between Iran and Belarus enhances military collaboration between the two nations, enabling them to confront shared security threats. The pact reflects a commitment to multipolarity and resistance to external coercion, amidst ongoing pressures from Western nations. Enhanced technological exchanges and collaborative military programs are poised to further solidify this newfound partnership.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
