Belarus President receives credentials of foreign ambassadors

Belarus is ready to cooperate with all foreign partners on the principles of respect, sincerity and integrity, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he received credentials of foreign ambassadors on 21 January.

“Our country is prepared for cooperation with the West, the East, the North and the South if it relies on the principles of respect, sincerity and integrity. If view of our geostrategic location we are interested in peace, stability, conflict-free and efficient partnership more than anybody else. Only equal dialogue can help eliminate stereotypes and destroy walls of misunderstanding which are built on this foundation,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.

Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that Belarus has already solidified the status of one of the initiators and active participants of integration processes in the Eurasian space. “I am deeply convinced that Minsk can become a place for a new large-scale dialogue on the security of the states in the Euro-Atlantic region and Eurasia. We will initiate even more peaceful and uniting cooperation projects. Of course, we will support all good initiatives from your side,” the President said.

In his words, the international situation is rapidly changing today, and it is often difficult to forecast this situation, the global economy is facing tougher competition. In this complicated conditions all states are eager to work out a strategy of counteracting traditional and new challenges and treats. “As practice shows, these efforts are effective if done together,” the head of state remarked.

“While working in Belarus, you will see that serious transformations are carried out in our country, especially in the economy. Attention is paid to the liberalization of this sector and to the creation of a favorable investment climate and doing business conditions,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “We use foreign and design our own advanced technologies, expand and diversify sales markets for Belarusian products which are famous for their high quality standards.”

The head of stat added that Belarus also draws special attention to the development of education, science, medicine and sport.

“Human capital is an investment in the future of our state, a guarantee of it success and prosperity. We have accumulated significant experience in all of the abovementioned fields, and we can share this experience with our foreign friends,” the Belarusian leader said.

The credentials were handed over to the Belarusian President by the diplomats from Austria, Armenia, Bahrain, Vietnam, Ghana, Canada, Tunisia, Montenegro, Czechia, El Salvador.

The President briefly spoke about the cooperation with these states.

On Armenia

“Armenia was and still is a reliable partner with whom we maintain versatile cooperation, including in such major unions as the Eurasian Economic Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization,” the President said.

He pointed out the resolution to expand the trade and economic dimension of the Belarusian-Armenian relations and the readiness to participate in any projects, including projects on the territory of Armenia which will be interesting for Armenian partners.

On Austria

Gradual intensification of political contacts with Austria testify to a new level of interstate interaction, the Belarusian leader believes.

“We appreciate Vienna’s efforts to decrease tension in Europe and worldwide, build bridges between key geopolitical players. In this regard the approaches of our states are absolutely in sync. We are interested in the enhancement of beneficial and constructive cooperation, first of all, in trade and investment,” the head of state said.

On Czechia

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the interstate dialogue with Czechia is absolutely open and pragmatic, the sides implement joint economic projects, interact on international platforms. “I am convinced that the further development of bilateral trade, close contacts in culture, science and education will serve as a solid foundation for the enhancement of relations between our countries in the future,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

On Montenegro

“We have a few contact points which can become a foundation for the expansion of bilateral agenda with Montenegro,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

He remarked that Belarusian tourists often choose Montenegro as their vacation destination. “We hope that your people will also like Belarus’ wonderful nature, its cultural and historical legacy,” the head of state said.

On Canada

The President remarked that Belarus and Canada not only share the love for ice hockey but also maintain many-year friendship. Canadians were among those who extended a helping hand to Belarus in difficult times after the Chernobyl accident.

“Your country was the first country in the West to fully abolish trade restrictions in relation to Belarus. This is a guarantee of the further positive development of cooperation and a very good example for some other partners. We are prepared for the expansion of productive mutually beneficial cooperation with Canada across the board,” the Belarusian leader said.

On Vietnam

The closest dialogue with Vietnam at all levels contributes to the efficient resolution of topical issues on the bilateral agenda, the head of state is convinced.

In his words, today the sides need to do their best to increase bilateral trade and implement joint projects in the manufacturing sector, petrochemistry, construction, education, information technologies. Belarusian enterprises are ready to participate in programs to develop the transport infrastructure, extract mineral resources and produce foodstuffs on the territory of Vietnam.

 “We need to implement the agreements we have reached. We should be more active, especially given your interest in cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union,” the President said.

On Bahrain

“We are interested in the comprehensive and large-scale development of ties with Bahrain. We already have positive examples of cooperation with the countries of the Persian Gulf. It is essential to boost bilateral trade, which is, unfortunately, too small right now. We offer traditional goods and high-tech products to our partners from Bahrain,” the President said.

On Ghana

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that the African region becomes more and more important for Belarus.

As for Ghana, Belarusian potash fertilizers and metal products are well-known in the agricultural and construction industries of this country. “We see good prospects for the significant expansion of cooperation, first of all, in agribusiness and industrial cooperation,” the head of state said.

On Tunisia

Aleksandr Lukashenko deems it necessary to intensify contacts at all levels with this country. “It will help determine new avenues of cooperation and advance relations between our countries to a brand-new level,” he remarked.

On El Salvador

“Belarus views El Salvador as a promising partner in Central America. We are interested in developing bilateral dialogue, enhancing the trade and economic dimension, expanding cooperation in agriculture, including the chemical industry,” the President remarked. “We know your country very well. But unfortunately, the relations between our countries are still underdeveloped. I think we will be able to intensify them with your participation. We need a strong platform of states in America to establish cooperation with neighboring countries.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko wished all the diplomats every success in the fulfillment of their responsible mission. “I hope that your experience and professionalism will be a solid foundation for productive cooperation between our states, and that practical results will come soon,” the head of state said.

At the same time, Aleksandr Lukashenko encouraged the ambassadors to try to learn more about Belarus, open its beauty and uniqueness, feel the hospitality of Belarusian people, learn more about the country’s culture, history and modern way of life.

“I am convinced that we will find common ground with you. And initiatives will be supported. And I am convinced that by joint efforts we will be able to advance our relations to a brand-new level,” the President stressed.