Trade and economy — the basis for full-scale co-operation

The Head of State Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 
of Brazil to Belarus Bernard Jorg Leopold de Garcia Klingl

Ambassador of Brazil Bernard Jorg Leopold de Garcia Klingl and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Sergei Aleinik BELTA

“If we take a close look at the Belarusian-Brazilian relations, I must say that they can be much better, both in politics and, first of all, in trade and economy. Trade and economic relations are the basis of any relationship. If we have a strong material interest and a certain connection, then both political and diplomatic relations will be built. As an ambassador, you understand this as well as I do. As a result of today’s meeting, we need to agree on specific areas of our co-operation that will bring our relations to a higher level,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said that he had a number of proposals in this regard. “I think that you will convey my proposals to the government, your parliament and, above all, President Lula da Silva. 
One of my main proposals that I ask you to convey to your President is that we are waiting for him in Belarus. At any convenient time for him. Better in winter. In order for him to see our winter nature. During his visit, we could finally determine the roadmap or plan for our relations. I would like to emphasise once again that the Belarusian leadership is extremely interested in this.”
The Head of State emphasised the importance of the current meeting for both Belarus and Brazil.
The Ambassador, in turn, said that Brazil highly appreciates relations with Belarus, 
“It is a great honour for me to have this opportunity to meet and to convey to the President of my country your invitation to visit your country in order to discuss a roadmap for further co-operation. Brazil values the relations with Belarus and the work that is being done in your country today. We understand the importance of the region and the delicacy of the situation that has developed in your region. We also see the confrontation between Russia and Western states. Brazil is ready to take part in the dialogue. We see you as a person who is not only very well versed in the current situation, but also a person who can take part in this dialogue and contribute to resolving the situation.”
The head of the diplomatic mission continued, “The Brazilian President, I am sure, will appreciate your invitation 
[to visit Belarus]. He knows how important it is today to discuss with you the solution to the situation. We understand what’s at stake. We have appointed a special envoy, a minister who takes part in the dialogue on behalf of Brazil.”
Bernard Jorg Leopold de Garcia Klingl also remarked, “We hope that the dialogue will take place. We are confident that a common will, a common desire are required to start the dialogue, and therefore my hope is that my President, and you will be able to take an active part in this process.”

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However, Aleksandr Lukashenko and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have known each other for a long time. They met back in March 2010 when the Belarusian President visited Brazil. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was the President back then. He was elected the President once again after a number of other Presidents.
Brazil is traditionally among the top 10 trading partners of Belarus. Last year the trade amounted to more than $358 million, with a surplus of $149.6 million. In January-June 2023 alone, bilateral trade totalled $393.4 million (200.8 percent compared to the same period in 2022), a positive balance of $269.6 million. Potash fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and disinfectants are traditionally the main positions of Belarusian exports.

Ambassador of Brazil to Belarus Bernard Jorg Leopold de Garcia Klingl spoke about bilateral co-operation on the air of the Belarusian ONT TV channel,  

“The geographical distance between our countries is huge, but this does not mean that our peoples cannot grow closer. Our relations have always been active and effective. The meeting of our Presidents in Rio de Janeiro is a case in point. Today there are difficulties associated with the sanctions against Belarus. We are doing everything possible to circumvent these obstacles and increase the trade to the proper level. Belarus has a unique geographical location and unique historical experience. This can enrich international interaction. Its role is important for international cooperation. It is very important that Belarus be heard. Your country and your people are unique. Your people have a beautiful soul, a big heart, a very high level of education and great prospects… Your country is part of Eastern Europe, which is made up of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine. You share a common historical background and a similar culture. Your countries have gone through a lot together. Belarus occupies a special strategic, geopolitical position here. It is a key player in the region. Your President Aleksandr Lukashenko is a man with vast experience and influence. He really understands the essence of the processes. He knows the region really well. He, as we could see from the recent events in Russia, played a crucial role in resolving the difficulties that emerged there. Obviously, your President could become an important partner in resolving the current conflict [in Ukraine].”

Belarus and Russia unite advanced scientific and technical potential

The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, met with Russian politician and statesman Dmitry Rogozin.
“I am glad to meet with you today and to discuss all the issues that have accumulated over this time. I know you as an active person who cannot stay away from major developments in the region and the world. Thus, I believe that your experience and knowledge will be useful for promoting our common ideas that we have shared for a long time. We have a common Fatherland, and we need to work together in its best interests. You have many ideas. I know it. I am ready to make the most of all available scientific and practical potential of Belarus in our common interests, in the interests of strengthening the unity of Belarus and Russia,” the Head of State said.
In turn, Dmitry Rogozin responded that his trip to Belarus would be brief, but productive. He thanked Aleksandr Lukashenko for the opportunity to meet, “I am here in Minsk on a short working trip. Today I am going to meet with representatives of the industry of the Republic of Belarus, my old friends with whom I have maintained good relations. I will have talks with them on a number of projects that are primarily related to our science and technology. I will tell you about it today. I think that it will be interesting to you.”
The President noted at the beginning of the meeting that Dmitry Rogozin ‘completely vanished from the radar screens; mass media hardly writes about him now’.
“I keep working the way I did. In a different capacity, but my work has a greater potential taking into account the colossal changes taking place in the world of technology. Today I will tell you about this,” Dmitry Rogozin said. Dmitry Rogozin was in charge of the state space corporation Roscosmos and held a number of other important positions in the government, defence industry and diplomacy of the Russian Federation. 

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by