Official visit to Cuba

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko paid an official visit to the Republic of Cuba on 3-5 September 2000. In Havana, the head of state gave an interview, in which he remarked that the main goal of the visit was “to stop Cuba from feeling that it was far from us.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko held talks with President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers of Cuba Fidel Castro, Vice President of the Council of State and Executive Secretary of the Council of Ministers of Cuba Carlos Lage. The sides discussed the development of bilateral cooperation in the economy, politics, trade, and other areas. The Belarusian president also met with other officials. The parties signed the agreement on friendship and cooperation, and the agreement on trade and economic cooperation.

The official opening ceremony of the Belarusian embassy in Havana took place during the visit of Aleksandr Lukashenko to Cuba. Fidel Castro awarded the highest state award of Cuba – the Order of Jose Marti – to the Belarusian head of state in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the enhancement of friendship and solidarity with the people of Cuba.