Belarus President receives credentials of foreign ambassadors

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Peacefulness is at the heart of the Belarusian foreign policy, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he received credentials of ambassadors of foreign states on 26 June.

“Belarus is an absolutely peaceful country. We remember the lessons of the past very well. We are careful about today and thoughtful about tomorrow. Therefore, peacefulness is at the core of the country’s foreign policy. This word implies a multi-vector approach, a balanced stance, pragmatism and consistency. This pertains to the foreign policy, first and foremost. Our country advocates an inclusive dialogue across all issues of the international agenda. We greatly value a sincere, open and respectful attitude to us and are ready to do the same,” the head of state said.

The credentials were handed over to the Belarusian President by the ambassadors of Zambia, Italy, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Poland, Uzbekistan, and Ecuador.

The head of state noted that this year marks 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belarus and Uzbekistan. “We cherish friendship between Belarusian and Uzbek peoples. We welcome the decision of our long-standing partner to open a full diplomatic representation in Minsk. This is an important and timely step that demonstrates the focus on all-round dialogue,” the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that the building of truly good neighborly and equal relations with Poland is one of the priorities of Belarus’ diplomacy. Poland is our neighbor, and we do not choose our neighbors. “We share not only the joint border, economic cooperation, interpersonal contacts but overall responsibility for stability and security in our region. We need to give our interaction a sustained and coherent nature. We are ready for this,” the President said.

Belarus and Italy have years of successful experience of cooperation across a wide range of areas. “We have always been able to solve any tasks in an atmosphere of openness and trust. I am convinced that an active political dialogue, implementation of joint economic projects, cooperation in cultural and scientific fields fully meet the interests of our peoples,” he stressed.

Belarus is also interested in developing relations with Cyprus on all issues of bilateral and global agenda. “We have already achieved good results in trade in services. It is time we looked at joint projects in banking, information and communication technology and tourism. We have reserves for this,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

He welcomed the ambassadors from the countries of Asia, Latin America and Africa, noting that the cooperation with their countries is of special political and undisputed economic interest for Belarus.

Necessary mechanisms have been recently developed for substantive and full-scale cooperation with Pakistan. “We expect successful implementation of joint projects in various industrial sectors, healthcare, and personnel training,” the Belarusian leader said.

Belarus is open to large-scale cooperation with Nepal. “Having a significant industrial and educational potential, we can provide assistance in the development of your state,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“Belarus is closely watching the renewal of Myanmar. We believe that new opportunities and prospects will open up and help the two states expand contacts in various areas,” the head of state said.

Ecuador is one of Belarus’ key partners in South America. “We have similar priorities in domestic and foreign policy, social and economic development. We are ready to take necessary steps to ensure that bilateral relations reach a qualitatively new level and serve as a model of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation for other states,” he said.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the accreditation of the ambassadors of Zambia and the Republic of the Congo will help find new points of contact and add momentum to bilateral relations, taking into account the complementarity of the economies.

Addressing the diplomats, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that they came to a modern, dynamically developing, safe and business-friendly European state. “Our country boasts strong industry and agriculture, great scientific capacities and qualified workforce. IT is one of the most promising economic sectors. We have turned into regional leaders in a number of areas,” he said.

The President added that the world’s top-notch companies show interest in the Hi-Tech Park, the Great Stone park and other innovative platforms. They are turning into top investment destinations.

The head of state noted that Belarus will mark the Year of the Native Land in 2018-2020. “Community redevelopment is in full swing in every corner of our country. I invite you to learn more not only about the capital city, but also about the regions, as well as the culture, traditions and spirit of the Belarusian nation, to feel its hospitality and kindness. I am absolutely convinced that your stay in Belarus will be one of the most remarkable experiences in your career,” the Belarusian leader said.