Minsk, Caracas to launch direct flight
Belarus and Venezuela are working on the issue of opening a direct flight between Minsk and Caracas – as stated by Belarus’ Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik during a press conference following his talks with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto
Commenting on the trade and economic co-operation between the two countries, Mr. Aleinik noted with regret a certain decline in economic co-operation due to sanctions restrictions, “However, following the results of our negotiations, we are united and very serious about finding mutually acceptable and beneficial solutions that will enable us to resume the implementation of important projects in the field of industry, agriculture and food.”
According to the Foreign Minister, the most important project at this stage is the resumption of assembly plants of Belarusian tractor and automotive equipment in Venezuela. “We have held a number of meetings and negotiations on this issue and are close to resuming the work of our enterprises that have been established in Venezuela. There is a prospect of organising exports of Belarusian food products to the Venezuelan market, as well as direct supplies of Belarusian agricultural machinery at the request of Venezuela’s regional authorities,” he added.
Mr. Aleinik said that the Belarusian-Venezuelan commission on trade and economic co-operation will deal with these and other issues. Its meeting is scheduled for November 28th-29th, and special attention is expected to be paid to the development of a contractual framework between the countries. Belarus’ Foreign Minister recalled that 32 agreements of various levels have been concluded throughout the history of relations, which will undergo a certain inventory before the meeting of the commission. He added that preparations are underway to sign a number of agreements that relate to justice, legal assistance in civil and economic matters, healthcare, tourism, and some other spheres.
“During the negotiations, we paid special attention to the signing of an agreement on air traffic. The issue of opening a direct flight between Caracas and Minsk by the Converse company is being worked out at present. I hope we will make a final decision on this issue during the upcoming meeting of the intergovernmental commission," Mr. Aleinik stressed.
