Aleksandr Lukashenko receives credentials of Apostolic Nuncio, foreign ambassadors

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko received the credentials of the Apostolic Nuncio and the ambassadors of six states in a ceremony at the Palace of Independence on 3 November.

Aleksandr Lukashenko received the credentials from Apostolic Nuncio in Belarus Ante Jozic, Ambassador of Venezuela Franklin Ramirez Araque, Ambassador of Iran Saeed Yari, Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Ju Jong Bong, Ambassador of Syria Mohammad Aloumrani, Ambassador of Turkey Mustafa Ozcan, Ambassador of Japan Hiroki Tokunaga.

According to tradition, the head of state spoke about Belarus’ relations with each of the states.

On Vatican

“Belarus and the Vatican enjoy special relations. On the international arena, together we consistently promote such important initiatives as combating human trafficking, combating violence against children, and protecting traditional family values,” the President said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that issues of interfaith peace occupy a special place in the bilateral agenda. “We count on the consolidating and constructive role of the Catholic Church in Belarusian society,” the President said.

The head of state also confirmed Belarus' interest in deeper interaction with the Holy See.

On Turkey

The head of state called Turkey an important ally that was the first to recognize Belarus' independence. “During my visit to Ankara last year, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and I outlined a number of steps to strengthen trade and humanitarian ties, expand contacts between citizens of our countries,” the Belarusian leader said.

“Minsk and Ankara agree that an effective economic dialogue is the key to success and progress. Therefore, it is important that the agreements we have reached are not left on paper, but implemented in the near future,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

On Iran

The President stated that Iran is one of Belarus' significant economic and political partners in the Middle East. “We have a great potential which, no doubt, is still largely untapped,” he said.

Belarus welcomes the suspension of a number of restrictions on Iran by the UN and hopes for further constructive steps to stabilize the military and political situation in the Middle East.

“We are grateful to your country for its support of Belarus at multilateral platforms. We will also reciprocate and are ready to continue cooperation with Iran in international organizations,” the President added.

On Syria

“Strong ties, distinguished by complete trust and sincere friendship, have been established between Minsk and Damascus. Belarus actively supports the sovereignty, territorial integrity and stands for non-interference in the internal affairs of Syria,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

He expressed confidence that the efforts of the Syrian authorities aimed at a speedy resolution of the domestic political situation, economic and social recovery will contribute to enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

On Venezuela

Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that Belarus has gained considerable experience of bilateral relations with Venezuela in Latin America.

“We will continue to provide your country with all possible support. I hope that the new ambassador will help intensify mutually beneficial cooperation in trade and humanitarian areas,” the head of state said.

On North Korea

Belarus counts on strengthening its relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

“We have an unreasonably low level of relations. We need to work more actively in this direction. We are closely following the development of the situation on the Korean Peninsula. We support all the efforts to ensure peace and resolve the existing contradictions in the region. We are interested in continuing constructive contacts in international organizations. We ask the new head of the diplomatic mission to pay attention to such areas of cooperation as medication and food production, professional training and professional development,” the President said.

On Japan

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, cooperation with Japan has significant reserves in trade, industry, investment, science and technology.

“We highly appreciate scientific and humanitarian assistance in the mitigation of the consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe. For our part, we are ready to continue helping your country after the Fukushima accident and continue improving the health of Japanese children in Belarus,” the head of state said.

He also expressed confidence that the upcoming Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 will not only be a true celebration of sporting achievements but will also contribute to uniting nations.

Addressing all the diplomats, Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that they represent countries located on different continents. “All of us are united by one natural desire to make the world safer, the economy more sustainable, and the lives of ordinary people better. Belarus knows how to appreciate sincerity, trust and is always open for any constructive initiatives,” the Belarusian leader said.

“I am convinced that you will not just be benevolent and unbiased observers of the ongoing processes, but will provide all possible assistance in forming equal, mutually beneficial relations with Belarus. It is in your power to bring together and mutually enrich our cultures, help expand humanitarian cooperation and interpersonal contacts,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.