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30.09.2021

Lukashenko outlines Belarus' priorities in international relations

MINSK (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko named the countries with who Belarus is going to build friendly relations in the first place as he received ambassadors' credentials in a ceremony in Minsk on 30 September, BelTA has learned.

The president stressed that justice in the international, interstate cooperation and in the domestic policy is something that Belarus has fought for throughout its history. “The same is true for the contemporary history and the events that have been unfolding in front of your eyes,” he said.

“Today Belarus intends to build friendly relations first of all with the states that respect its sovereignty and independence. Respect its people. Those who are ready to cooperate with us in an honest and open-hearted way,” the Belarusian leader said.

He stressed that, being located on the border between East and West, Belarus, like no other country, understands the importance of a constructive, unifying international agenda and has been continuously promoting it.

“This also applies to the topic of migration, which has recently made headlines. We give paramount importance to security issues, the protection of the state border. Our country has always been committed to collective efforts to counter smuggling and human trafficking. We are ready to continue this work, but only if we are treated respectfully, not pressurized by sanctions and ultimatums, particularly hybrid wars,” the head of state said.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, Belarus has always been a supporter of mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation with all international partners and is open to new joint projects, including the most advanced and high-tech ones. “Belarus highly appreciates the level of interaction with the CIS countries. We are bound by strong ties of friendship, which, I am sure, will further help us deepen cooperation, develop trade and interaction in various areas for the benefit of our peoples,” he said.

Speaking about the ties with Asia, the world's fastest growing economic region, the president said that Belarus and many Asian partners have complementary opportunities for cooperation.

“We are interested in expanding cooperation with the countries of Africa, where we can already boast examples of successful joint work, which, I am convinced, will be multiplied in the future,” the head of state continued.

According to the president, Belarus can be used as a platform to develop trade with the EAEU countries, especially with Russia, with which the country is implementing an ambitious integration project that opens up new opportunities for business, science and other sectors.

As an industrial hub, Belarus can supply agricultural products, mining equipment, haulers, potash fertilizers, petrochemicals, and pharmaceutical products. “Our companies are ready to offer their scientific, technological and production solutions. They are ready to share their successful experience in modernization of energy, transport and communication sectors, development of full-cycle agricultural projects on a turnkey basis. Our universities can provide training in various in-demand majors, including industry, agriculture and healthcare,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.