Lukashenko receives credentials from nine ambassadors

MINSK, 1 October (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has received credentials from ambassadors of nine countries. The ceremony took place in the Palace of Independence on 1 October, BelTA has learned.

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 drew attention to the list of countries whose ambassadors were present at the ceremony. “This hall has an impressive diplomatic geography. These are people who are close in spirit and are united by a common cause - to build and strengthen ties in the interests of the peoples of our countries,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

People's Republic of China

The president noted that 1 October marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. “I would like to take this opportunity, Mr. Ambassador, to congratulate all Chinese people on your great national holiday. This is our holiday too. It means a lot to us that it is on this day that you are presenting your credentials,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The head of state emphasized 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 cooperation,” the Belarusian leader stated. He 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 cooperation. 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 cooperation is on the up and 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 Cooperation Organization.

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 emphasized his interest in intensifying Belarus-Serbia cooperation across the board. Belarus would like to expand contacts, scale up mutually beneficial cooperation in industry, agriculture, healthcare, and high technology.

Algeria

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized Belarus’ readiness for active cooperation in the manufacturing industry, food security and high technology with Algeria. “I am confident that our equipment, like combines, tractors, trucks, and our 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 also 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 programs for students from Burundi,” Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested.

Kuwait

Kuwait is an important partner for Belarus in the Middle East, the head of state remarked. “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. He called economy the most important and mutually beneficial vector in bilateral relations. “We are open to any forms of cooperation,” the head of state assured. He 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 cooperation 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 emphasized 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 cooperation will be mutually beneficial,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The head of state wished all diplomats successful work: “We welcome you to Belarus, dear friends!”