Aleksandr Lukashenko receives credentials of foreign ambassadors

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has received credentials of ambassadors from nine countries. 

The diplomats from Azerbaijan, Armenia, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Tunisia and South Africa presented their credentials to the Belarusian President.

"I would like to welcome you in the Minsk Hero City, the capital of a modern democratic state with a well-developed economy, centuries-old history and unique culture. Since ancient times, the country has been welcoming to guests. 

I believe that many of you are already familiar with our country," the President said addressing foreign diplomats. Following the tradition, the head of state briefly described the relations with each of the countries represented by the ambassadors. 

"Azerbaijan has been our strategic partner, a brotherly state that has consistently and selflessly supported Belarus,” President Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed. 

On behalf of the country and on his own behalf, the President expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani people and his friend Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev for their trust and reliability. 

Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that Belarus and Armenia have traditionally friendly relations, a shared history and close interpersonal contacts. "Our countries actively interact within the framework of integration organizations and in most cases speak with a common voice," the President said. So far the significant potential of bilateral cooperation has not been realized to the full, the Belarusian leader believes. He assured that Belarus is open to proposals for further development of strong relations with Armenia in all areas.

Speaking about the non-CIS countries, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that cooperation with them is becoming increasingly important taking into account the current international situation. 

"We highly appreciate the relationship with India based on friendship, trust and mutual understanding. Minsk and New Delhi are the most important partners, and the potential of bilateral cooperation is limitless," the Belarusian leader said. 

Receiving credentials from the ambassadors of Indonesia and Malaysia, Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized Belarus' commitment to building constructive relations with all member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

"I am convinced that additional opportunities for further development of Belarusian-Indonesian and Belarusian-Malaysian relations will emerge as   cooperation between the EAEU and ASEAN grows stronger," the head of state said. 

The President called Indonesia a key partner in this association. "Our citizens, business and academia know Indonesia not only as a beautiful tourist gateway but also as a country with a rapidly growing economy, high human and scientific potential," the Belarusian leader said.

As for Malaysia, this country, according to the Belarusian leader, has made great strides in its development in recent decades. "We are very interested in your experience of transformation of the state," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state lauded the progressive development of practical cooperation with Mongolia, which Belarus sees as a reliable and promising partner. "We are interested in continuing joint projects. Recently, our states have achieved a lot, but I know that there are more opportunities for further development of mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the engineering industry," the President said. 

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted Belarus' interest in cooperation with the Lebanese Republic, and said that there is a significant potential for bilateral cooperation in various fields. 

Addressing the Tunisian ambassador, the Belarusian head of state expressed interest in intensifying comprehensive relations with that country. Belarus, according to him, views Tunisia as a promising partner in North Africa. 

"We should look more actively for areas where we can step up our cooperation. First of all, this applies to tourism and healthcare," Aleksandr Lukashenko believes. 

"Belarus is ready to further cooperation with the Republic of South Africa, which rightfully enjoys a reputation of a political and economic leader among the southern states of the continent," the head of state stated. 

According to him, Belarus can offer South Africa modern integrated solutions in agricultural mechanization, scientific developments, technology and knowledge transfer, educational services.

At the end of the ceremony, the head of state congratulated the ambassadors on the official start of their diplomatic tenure in Belarus. "I am sure that in the very near future you will make sure that we are prepared for active cooperation in all areas of mutual interest," Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. "We expect from you an objective view of events, a focus on promotion of bilateral relations, and proactive actions in the implementation of new projects." 

He expressed confidence that thanks to professionalism and dedication the ambassadors will be able to give an impetus to the relations between Belarus and their countries. "I sincerely wish you success in the responsible diplomatic work for the benefit of our peoples," Aleksandr Lukashenko added.