'There are no unfriendly nations or second-class countries for us'

The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, has received credentials from ambassadors of nine countries — the ceremony took place in the Palace of Independence

Ambassadors of nine countries have delivered credentials to President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko       belta

The ambassadors of China, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Algeria, Mauritania, Burundi, Kuwait, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay handed over their credentials to the Belarusian Head of State.
The President expressed hope that the diplomats had already had the opportunity to see Minsk and its tourist attractions, talk to people and learn the history of Belarus. 
“There are no unfriendly nations or second-class countries for us. I know that Belarusians are also treated with hospitality and warmth all over the world,” the Head of State stressed.
The President noted with regret that peaceful, prosperous and sovereign Belarus causes irritation with some Western politicians, which turns into prejudice. “They consider it normal to have their one-sided outdated perception of the world order where there are first and second-class people. If someone disagrees with their point of view, they impose sanctions and various restrictions. Minsk has been facing such injustice for many years, practically throughout the entire sovereign history,” the President remarked. “Nevertheless, we take the courage to pursue independent domestic and foreign policies. We always defend our position based on international law and justice.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that Belarus is often accused groundlessly — for example, of facilitating illegal migration. In this regard, the Head of State recalled that Belarus suppresses illegal migration and combats transnational crime in accordance with its international obligations and available opportunities.
“If any migration-related problems occur, it is not our fault. These problems emerge when some countries invite migrants to come over to them. We take care of people who were forced to flee their countries and seek asylum in the European Union. We do all this without anyone’s help, while being under the pressure of illegal sanctions,” the President pointed out.

“The next reason for external attacks on Belarus will be, obviously, the upcoming Presidential election campaign, and those attacks on Belarus have already started. The opponents have probably launched their work on plans to ‘overthrow the regime’ and ask for millions of US dollars in grants for these useless purposes. They do this every five years. I would like to immediately disappoint those masterminds: we have never let anyone undermine the stability in the country or plunge it into chaos, and we will never let this happen,” the Belarusian leader underscored.

People’s Republic of China

The Head of State emphasised that China has always been and remains the most important, reliable and special trade, economic and political partner for Belarus. “Minsk and Beijing have achieved an unprecedentedly high level of trust-based co-operation,” the Belarusian leader stated. The President noted that amid global political tension, Belarus and China managed to advance bilateral relations to the level of all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership. Despite the crises in the global economy, the parties achieved a new record in trade last year. “I would like to give special credit to my dear friend, Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, for the constructive approach to co-operation. I want to convey my best regards to him. We are looking forward to hosting him in Belarus at any time convenient for him,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

Kazakhstan

The President called Kazakhstan an important, time-tested friend, strategic partner and ally for Belarus. The Head of State remarked that the two countries have common interests practically in all areas. According to the President, billion-dollar trade and successful projects in industry suggest that bilateral co-operation is on the up.
Aleksandr Lukashenko once again expressed his gratitude to the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, for the all-round support for Belarus during Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO).

Serbia

The President noted that Belarus has a long history of friendly relations with Serbia. These relations are rooted in history and spiritual ties between the two fraternal peoples.
The Head of State emphasised his interest in intensifying Belarus-Serbia co-operation across the board, including expanding contacts, scaling up mutually beneficial co-operation in industry, agriculture, healthcare, and high technology.

Algeria

Aleksandr Lukashenko highlighted Belarus’ readiness for active co-operation in the manufacturing industry, food security and high technology with Algeria. “I am confident that our equipment, like combine harvesters, tractors, trucks, and grain storage facilities will be useful for the Algerian economy. I also hope that our fruitful joint work on international platforms will continue,” the Belarusian leader said.

Mauritania

The Head of State was particularly pleased to welcome the ambassador of Mauritania — the country presiding over the African Union.
“This year, Belarus and Mauritania mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations. I sincerely congratulate you on this significant date. I believe we should step up our contacts,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko. “We need to come up with two or three big mutually beneficial projects and begin implementing them,” the Head of State remarked.

Burundi

The President of Belarus noted his interest in developing friendly relations with Burundi. Belarus attaches particular importance to the economic component of bilateral relations.
“Considering Burundi’s focus on developing agriculture and the mining industry, we can supply a wide range of engineering products, including trucks, quarry trucks and agricultural machines. In addition, Belarus can offer various educational and training programmes for students from Burundi,” Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested.

Kuwait

Kuwait is an important partner for Belarus in the Middle East, the Head of State observed. “We highly appreciate your country’s commitment to a peaceful settlement of conflicts and crises — you are deeply involved in this, as is Belarus — as well as humanitarian efforts in the international arena. This is aligned with our peace initiatives to begin a broad international dialogue on security principles and guarantees,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The Head of State voiced Belarus’ readiness to make every effort to build trade, economic and investment partnerships in all areas.

Dominican Republic

Belarus views the Dominican Republic as a promising partner in Central America and the Caribbean, the President noted. The Belarusian leader called economy the most important and mutually beneficial vector in bilateral relations. “We are open to any forms of co-operation,” the Head of State assured and proposed to start with the development of an effective contractual and legal framework.
Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed confidence that the agreement on mutual visa abolition that is in the works now will not only reinvigorate tourism, but will also serve as an important impetus for the intensification of bilateral relations.

Uruguay

“We are very closely monitoring the development of Uruguay. I am confident that the successful conduct of the upcoming Presidential election in October this year will solidify the achievements of your country. Belarus will always support the choice of the Uruguayan people,” the President said.
The Head of State pointed to Belarus’ interest in intensifying co-operation with Uruguay in politics and economy, which could be facilitated by signing an agreement on mutual visa abolition. “We count on the ambassador’s active role in building effective and trusting contacts,” the Belarusian leader said.

At the end of the ceremony, the President emphasised that Belarus is always glad to see old friends and new partners interested in strengthening and developing relations with our country.

“I know for sure: distance is not a problem for true friendship. We are open to new ideas and the most ambitious projects. I am absolutely convinced that your stay on our land will be comfortable, your work will be productive, and our co-operation will be mutually beneficial,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by