Aleksandr Lukashenko meets with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dipu Moni

May 24, 2012

Belarus wants to see Bangladesh as its strategic partner, President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dipu Moni on 24 May.

"We have been looking forward to this visit. We really hope that it will lay a foundation for our strategic cooperation in the future,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

In his words, being a very populous country Bangladesh is of great interest for Belarus. “I am sure that Bangladesh will be glad to get a direct access to Europe through Belarus,” the head of state said.

The two countries have similar positions in international organizations. “We appreciate your support. You should know that Belarus will return the favor,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The President noted that in 2011 the bilateral trade made up about $140 million. “The trade has slowed down somehow this year, but I hope that we will catch up. We have many things to offer to Bangladesh. We would also like to import Bangladeshi products. If we come to terms, I guarantee we will give preference to your goods,” the head of state assured. He emphasized that the two countries have common interests not only in politics, but also in economy; this will be the springboard to boost the ties.

This year the Belarusian Prime Minister is set to visit Bangladesh. “I think we will be able to considerably ramp up our cooperation and come up with specific projects using this solid foundation,” the President said. Aleksandr Lukashenko asked the foreign ministers of the two countries to thoroughly analyze cooperation prospects, collaboration mechanisms and commodities to trade in.

The Belarusian President extended an invitation to the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Belarus. “I think this will be good for our partnership,” the Belarusian leader said.

Dipu Moni emphasized that the two countries have much in common and their economies are complementary. “We seek to ramp up and expand the bilateral cooperation,” she said.