Lukashenko invited Kenyan President to develop roadmap of co-operation
During the negotiations in Nairobi with Kenyan President William Ruto, the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, proposed developing a roadmap of co-operation, BelTA reports
“I would like to thank you for the warm invitation to visit you at this time. It’s late. You and I have agreed in Dubai that we would meet and discuss our first steps towards establishing trade-economic and closer political relations,” the Belarusian leader said at the beginning of the meeting.
According to him, it’s now necessary to determine areas for further interaction and reach a specific plan in these areas. “If we want to liaise, I’m sure that we will be able to develop such a plan – a roadmap – just like we did with other countries of the African continent,” said the President of Belarus.
“You should know, Mr. President, that if we agree, we will quickly go through this path, because your country occupies a very important strategic position in Africa. The President of Equatorial Guinea told me that you primarily determine the African continent’s politics,” noted Aleksandr Lukashenko.
Taking into account that a decision to intensify bilateral relations was made at the top level, the Belarusian Head of State invited groups of specialists from Belarus and Kenya to exchange visits and get to know the countries closely in order to prepare a specific action plan for the development of co-operation.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also invited his Kenyan colleague to visit Belarus. “I will be happy to meet you at any time. I think that in H1 2024 you will find time to visit us in Minsk,” he said.
In turn, William Ruto, on behalf of all the people of Kenya, welcomed Aleksandr Lukashenko to Kenyan soil. “We’re very glad that you found time to visit us. I understand that the visit will be short-term, but nevertheless this makes us no less welcoming. This is not an official visit, but it enables us to schedule an official visit. Of course, we’re very happy that you took the time to visit us and be with us today,” he said.
The Kenyan leader recalled that during the last meeting at the World Climate Action Summit in Dubai, the two presidents agreed on the need to intensify contacts between Belarus and Kenya. “We’ve agreed that we would jointly look at our capabilities and areas where we could liaise and build relationships on the basis that we have created between our two countries,” said William Ruto.
