Meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola Georges Rebelo Chicoti

Belarus is interested in expanding relations with African countries, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola Georges Rebelo Chicoti on 26 June.

“Of course, we still need to learn more about Africa. And we would like to work on this promising continent of the future,” the Belarusian leader said.

“Like any other state, especially the one like Belarus (a very young state), we are choosing the countries we can rely on. We have known these countries for a long time. Angola is one of such countries. Perhaps, it is the first country in this list. Another reason is that after Angola’s acquisition of sovereignty in 1975 we have always supported and helped this country. The main contingent of military advisers in Angola was represented by the Belarusian military command, there were many Belarusians there,” the President said. “We have known and remembered this wonderful country since then. If you are not against, Belarus can also begin the penetration of Africa with Angola.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that there are no closed topics for cooperation between Belarus and Angola. “We are ready to cooperate with you in all areas of interest. You should visit Belarus and the enterprises you are interested in to see where we can be useful for you with your own eyes,” the head of state said.

Georges Rebelo Chicoti, in turn, agreed that there is a big untapped potential between the two countries. “I am glad to note that after the accreditation of Belarus’ ambassador in Angola, after the meeting with the President of Angola, we have finally understood that there is a huge untapped potential, that we lack certain things. Therefore, we are going to build up cooperation with your country,” the minister said.

He expressed confidence that Angola can win by strengthening cooperation with Belarus and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the comprehensive fulfillment of common plans.