Minsk:Iran is poised to take on an active and constructive role alongside the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), according to First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Aref conveyed Iran's willingness to become a reliable and long-term partner in advancing economic and regional cooperation with the EAEU. This message was delivered on Friday evening in Minsk by Iran's ambassador to Belarus, Mohsen Omid-Zamani, during a meeting attended by the union's prime ministers and senior officials.

Aref emphasized the growing connections between political and economic security, highlighting the importance of multilateralism, mutual respect, and equal rights among nations. He identified the EAEU as a significant platform for regional cooperation.

He condemned military attacks by the US and Israel against Iran, labeling them as violations of international law, the UN Charter, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Aref pointed to the damage to civilian facilities, including a children's school in Minab, and underscored the importance of adhering to international legal principles.

Aref also stated that opposing unilateralism involves defending states' sovereignty, free trade, economic independence, and the right of nations to choose their development paths and partners.

The EAEU comprises Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, with Iran participating as an observer. A free trade agreement, set to take effect in May 2025, will lift tariffs on 87 percent of traded goods, enhancing market access for over 180 million people.