Mohammad Reza Aref of Iran has expressed deep appreciation to member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) for adopting positions which he sees as constructive and encouraging in response to recent aggressions by Zionism and America against his nation.
Aref made his remarks during an EAEU Intergovernmental Council meeting held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, which coincided with Iran’s delegation’s attendance of the summit scheduled August 14-15. From there he stressed Iran’s gratitude for showing solidarity despite what he termed unlawful military attacks against peaceful nuclear facilities (WANA/rkhn/Bloomberg News Agency etc).
Aref criticized the inaction of the UN Security Council over what he described as violations of international law and UN Charter by Israel and the US. Aref specifically mentioned attacks against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, civilian casualties and other purported unlawful operations as evidence of rising regional insecurity. WANA + 1.
Aref also strongly condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling out crimes against humanity such as starvation and potential occupation as crimes against humanity. He appealed for international humanitarian law violations to cease; whilst encouraging members of both international communities to fulfill their collective responsibilities by fulfilling IRNA English/WANA/rkhn and international humanitarian law to address violations as soon as they occur.
Aref’s message of appreciation for EAEU support included calls for closer cooperation. He pledged to deepen ties in key sectors – such as energy, modern technology, commerce and transport–underlining its mutual benefits for member states and entrepreneurs of Iran-EAEU Free Trade Agreement which has opened unprecedented economic opportunities. Nour News Ltd +6 IRNA English plus6 RKhn
He also reiterated Iran’s dedication to regional integration, noting how Tehran pursues a policy of non-intervention and prioritizes multilateral engagement over unilateral action – which mirrors Russia and other EAEU members stances.
Aref announced plans for the inaugural Joint Working Group meeting under the EAEU-Iran Free Trade Agreement to convene in September. Co-chaired by Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade as well as EAEU Minister of Trade, this gathering will review progress made so far and devise strategies for realizing all its benefits.
Tehran, granted observer status by the EAEU in 2024, continues to demonstrate how valuable this region-building alliance can be in creating economic resilience, technological innovation, and greater regional autonomy in response to geopolitical pressure.