Lukashenko accepted credentials of ambassadors of 11 foreign countries
The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, has received today the credentials of ambassadors of eleven foreign countries: Angola, Hungary, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Colombia, Uganda, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea
As is traditional, the Head of State briefly focused on co-operation with each of the countries represented by the diplomats.
Kazakhstan
"Kazakhstan is a state close to us, it is a strategic partner and ally, it is a fraternal state," the President said. “We are connected by common history, developed trade and humanitarian ties. Friendly relations at the level of the heads of state enable us to discuss any issues. We will be glad to welcome President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev this year to continue the dialogue on a wide range of topics on the bilateral and international agenda.”
Hungary
Hungary is a long-standing and reliable friend of Belarus, relations with which have passed the test of time and are now built on a pragmatic and mutually respectful basis. The Belarusian leader stressed, “We particularly note Budapest's proposals and initiatives on security and confidence-building measures in Europe. We are ready to continue the dialogue with Hungary in order to de-escalate tensions in the region by resolving disputed issues only through peaceful negotiations.”
A representative group of ambassadors from African countries was also present at the Palace of Independence, and – as noted by Aleksandr Lukashenko – that was considered as a direct confirmation of the mutual interest. “I want to say that here, in Belarus, you can always count on equal, mutually beneficial co-operation for everyone. I invite you to visit us as often as possible, to send official delegations and representatives of your business community to our country. Our doors are always open for you. We believe in your continent and have high hopes for it.”
Egypt
The President noted that he was sincerely glad that the new Ambassador of Egypt, one of Belarus' key partners in North Africa, had arrived in Minsk. “We have good personal contacts with President al-Sisi, as well as joint economic projects. We hope to promote our common achievements to the markets of other African states, as well as to work more actively in the Eurasian Economic Union,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Zimbabwe
The Head of State welcomed the first Ambassador of Zimbabwe in the history of bilateral relations, “I am pleased to note that co-operation with Harare is a convincing example of how Minsk interacts with the countries of the African continent. Together with President Mnangagwa, we have set very ambitious goals for the coming years. I am convinced that the Ambassador will continue and make every effort to fully implement the agreements reached.”
Equatorial Guinea
Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that he had welcomed the President of Equatorial Guinea in Belarus recently, and the frank conversation of the two leaders confirmed that African states intend to leave their role as raw materials appendages in the past and to strive for industrialisation of their economies.
“We will be good helpers for you in this endeavour,” the Head of State stressed. “The implementation of the agreed plans will require maintaining a high pace of bilateral contacts. I hope that the Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea will be a frequent guest in Belarusian ministries and enterprises, as well as in the Government and the Palace of Independence – if necessary.”
Angola
The President stressed that Belarus’ ties with Angola have a long history, “We enjoy a great potential for a more significant increase in trade turnover. I confirm Belarus' interest in intensifying the bilateral political dialogue, co-operation in trade, economic and other spheres.”
Uganda
Uganda is one of the promising partners in Africa, and the Head of State noted, “We could significantly increase trade, co-operate more actively in the fields of agriculture, medicine, education, and personnel training. We are ready to supply our agricultural machinery and high-quality food. I am sure that, with the participation of the new Ambassador, these and many other topics will be further developed.”
Cambodia
The President stated that – by strengthening its multifaceted co-operation with all countries of the world – Belarus continues its active movement towards the East, “The Kingdom of Cambodia is among our priorities in Southeast Asia. We see opportunities for a significant expansion of bilateral co-operation in industry, agriculture, and infrastructure modernisation.”
Philippines
Despite the geographical distance, Belarus views the Republic of the Philippines as a significant partner, and Aleksandr Lukashenko explained, “We are ready to co-operate with Manila in the field of food security, including the transfer of experience in the creation of agro-industrial holdings engaged in both production and processing of agricultural products.”
Jordan
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that Minsk is interested in further expanding the circle of partners in the Middle East. “Jordan has a well-deserved international reputation and acts as a peacemaker country in the region. Similar approaches are close to Belarus. I am convinced that our countries have all the prerequisites for more active co-operation in political, economic, educational, scientific, cultural, tourism and other spheres. This fully meets the interests of both states,” he said.
Colombia
Colombia is an important partner of Belarus in Latin America. As noted by Aleksandr Lukashenko, this country is now pursuing a more balanced and independent policy in international affairs.
“The coinciding approaches of Minsk and Bogota regarding illegitimate restrictions and assessment of the situation in the world open up new opportunities for intensifying dialogue at all levels, expanding trade and co-operation in other areas,” the Belarusian leader noted.
