Belarus President receives credentials of foreign ambassadors
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Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko received credentials of 11 ambassadors on 2 October.
He emphasized that Belarus is a peace-loving, stable and secure state. The absence of religious and ethnic conflicts is the competitive edge of the country on the global economic and political arena.
“In the dialogue with its partners, Belarus is always committed to the principles of openness, honesty, equality, and justice. Now, when the situation in the world is far from calm these approaches are especially valuable,” Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced. “Consistent and pragmatic policy helped us normalize and enhance relations with western countries. We have managed to overcome differences and are now building a new platform of cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and balance of interests,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The head of state said that in 2017 Minsk hosted two high-profile international forums. These were the meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of the Central European Initiative where Belarus is presiding for the first time, and the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. “During that session, and then from the rostrum of the United Nations General Assembly our country has voiced an initiative to launch a broad discussion of a new Helsinki process under the aegis of the OSCE which aims to untie the knots of contradictions between states in Euro-Atlantic and Eurasia. We want the Helsinki 2 project to be a success. Dear ambassadors, I am convinced that you will also make your contribution to the formation of the group of like-minded states to promote and implement this important initiative,” the Belarusian leader said.
“Today it is essential to build and strengthen political, economic, humanitarian bridges between countries and various integration associations both in the West and in the East. We should look for as many contact points which will unite countries and peoples as possible,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.
The president added that it is inadmissible to underestimate the uniting power of culture and sport. In 2019 Belarus will host the 2nd European Games, in 2021 our country and Latvia will host the IIHF World Championship. “I sincerely hope that the representatives of your country will also be among the participants and guests of these competitions,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said that Belarus is ready to develop cooperation with state on all continents. Addressing the ambassadors, he spoke about the priorities of cooperation with their countries.
Moldova
“Belarus maintains traditionally friendly relations with Moldova. This year we have had many top-level contacts. We have been building the format of close interaction virtually in all areas,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.
The President emphasized that joint projects in industrial cooperation, including the establishment of assembly plants for Belarusian tractors and passenger equipment in Moldova, are a solid foundation for the further increase in bilateral trade.
Uzbekistan
“There are many opportunities in cooperation with Uzbekistan. This year we have done even more than during the entire post-Soviet period. There are serious preconditions for bolstering bilateral trade and diversifying mutual deliveries. As a result, it will help us make maximum use of the existing potential of economic cooperation between our countries,” the head of state said.
Spain
“Belarus attaches great importance to relations with Spain, especially in such fields as trade, investment, industrial cooperation, energy, transport, and agriculture,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.
Sweden
Belarus is also in favor of a friendly and constructive dialogue with Sweden and views this country as an active participant of regional and international processes.
“You are our close neighbor. We learned a lot from you after the Soviet Union had collapsed. As for the bilateral relations, we should boost trade, expand investment ties, and intensify political and cultural contacts between our states,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.
Djibouti
“I appreciate the resolution of the Djibouti government to appoint an ambassador to Belarus. I hope that thanks to the joint efforts of diplomats and representatives of business circles your country will become closer to us, I also hope that together we will be able to open the gate to Eastern Africa in Djibouti,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Mali
The Belarusian side sees big prospects for the development of relations with Western Africa. “The Republic of Mali is Belarus’ important partner in the western part of the African continent. The crucial process of restoring and enhancing the economic potential of this state opens up new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade. Belarus is prepared for it,” the President remarked.
Afghanistan
Belarus-Afghanistan relations are entering a new stage. Much has been said about it lately, Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.
“We support the Afghan people’s aspiration to independence and sovereignty, and also increasing the role of your state in the region and in the world. The first ever visit of Afghanistan’s chief executive to Belarus in August 2017 helped us outline top-priority avenues of cooperation,” the Belarusian leader added.
Laos
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, Laos’ dynamic development opens up new opportunities for expanding contacts in many fields. A recent session of Belarus-Laos intergovernmental commission on bilateral cooperation confirmed the countries’ commitment to an open and constructive dialogue.
“I believe we can improve our relations and bring them to a higher level. We are ready to carry out important scientific and technical projects in Laos, including those in mining,” the President noted.
Boosting the export of Belarusian vehicles, tires, and other products can also benefit both sides.
Peru
Since Soviet times Belarus has maintained good relations with Peru, the president added. “In spite of our modest trade turnover, I am convinced that we will be able to catch up and expand cooperation in all avenues. For this purpose, we need to focus on economic aspects,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Uruguay
An important vector of Belarus’ foreign policy in South America is the development of versatile partnership with Uruguay. “We appreciate the dynamics of Belarus- Uruguay relations and reaffirm our readiness to bolster and deepen the interstate dialogue,” the head of state said.
Chile
“Chile is an important country in the Latin American region for us. We hope to expand trade and economic ties in the near future. Belarus is infested in promoting construction and agricultural vehicles on the Chilean market,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president expressed hope that the work of the ambassadors in Belarus will be productive and that it will help establish the relations of trust and understanding between Belarus and their countries.
The head of state wished the diplomats every success in this responsible mission and assured that they can always count on the assistance and support of the Belarusian government, ministries, agencies, representatives of business circles and public associations.
“We are sincerely interested in productive and mutually beneficial cooperation,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.