Meeting with Kazakhstani Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Kazakhstani Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov in Minsk on 1 October.

“You know Belarus and our capabilities very well. I want to emphasize once again, as I have already stated publicly: Kazakhstan is a highly interesting partner and a friendly country for us. If anything in Belarus catches your attention in terms of mechanical engineering – which is essential for Kazakhstan, just as it is for Belarus – agricultural development, high technologies, or other fields, there are no off-limits topics. We are more than happy to work with you. Moreover, relations between our nations go back a long way and remain very strong. Under the current President, they have not deteriorated, but, on the contrary, improved,” the Belarusian leader stated.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that his Kazakhstani counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev places high importance on fostering relations with Belarus. “I am very pleased with this. We often discuss improving our relations in terms of linking our economies. This is very important since you are currently in charge of Kazakhstan’s economic agenda,” the President noted. “You have developed good relations with our prime minister. He constantly tells me about your contacts. I am very glad, satisfied with this, and ready to step in on any matter to advance our relations.”

The President also emphasized that the peoples of Belarus and Kazakhstan share a common history: “You should know that you have not come to strangers. Belarusians are your close friends. To put it simply, we are bound by blood. This is because many Kazakhs defended Belarus during the Great Patriotic War and achieved glory here. We value this and have not forgotten anyone.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko wished Olzhas Bektenov success throughout his stay in Belarus and during his joint meetings with international counterparts.