Lukashenko received letters of credence from the ambassadors of 11 foreign countries
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko received letters of credence from the ambassadors of 11 foreign countries, Belta correspondent reports.
Letters of credence were presented to the head of the Belarusian state by the ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Hungary, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Uganda, Cambodia, the Philippines, Jordan, and Colombia.
Alexander Lukashenko welcomed the diplomats to the beautiful, friendly, and hospitable Belarusian land: "I hope that this diplomatic work will contribute to the rapprochement of our peoples and help develop truly friendly interstate relations."
The President noted that the ambassadors are beginning their mission in a very challenging period: "Today, the whole world is on a difficult path of forming a new structure of international relations, which is steadily moving towards multipolarity. This process is irreversible, no matter how much some may wish otherwise. Now, in my opinion, a new, fairer, and more reasonable order of interaction for all, not just a select few states, is being built on the principles of respect and partnership."
Following the established tradition, the President briefly touched upon Belarus's interaction with the countries represented by the foreign diplomats.
About Kazakhstan
Alexander Lukashenko called Kazakhstan a close, fraternal state, a strategic partner and ally for Belarus. "We are connected by a common history, developed trade and humanitarian ties. Friendly relations at the level of heads of state allow us to discuss any issues without restrictions," the President said. "We will be glad to welcome President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (to Belarus. - Belta note) this year to continue the dialogue on a wide range of bilateral and international agenda topics."
About Hungary
"Hungary is a long-standing and reliable friend of Belarus, with whom relations, having stood the test of time, are built on a pragmatic and mutually respectful basis," Alexander Lukashenko noted.
He specifically highlighted Budapest's proposals and initiatives on security and confidence-building measures in Europe. "We are ready to continue dialogue with Hungary to de-escalate tensions in the region by resolving contentious issues solely through peaceful negotiations," the Belarusian leader stated.
About African Countries
Noting the representative presence of ambassadors from African countries at the ceremony of presenting credentials, the President emphasized: "We view this as direct confirmation of our mutual interest."
Alexander Lukashenko assured that here, in Belarus, diplomats from these countries can always count on equal and mutually beneficial cooperation for all parties: "I invite you to visit Belarus more often, to bring official delegations and business representatives with you. Our doors are always open to you. We believe in your continent and have high hopes for it."
About Egypt
Addressing the Ambassador of Egypt, Alexander Lukashenko noted that he is sincerely glad about the arrival in Minsk of the head of the diplomatic mission of a state that is one of Belarus's key partners in North Africa. "We are connected by good personal contacts with President al-Sisi, joint economic projects," said the Belarusian leader. "We are counting on the continuation of our joint work on the markets of other African states, as well as on more active work within the Eurasian Economic Union."
About Zimbabwe
Welcoming the first Ambassador of Zimbabwe in the history of bilateral relations, the President noted that cooperation with Harare is a compelling example of how Minsk interacts with countries on the African continent.
"Together with President Mnangagwa, we have set very ambitious goals for the coming years. I am convinced that the ambassador will continue and make every effort to fully implement the agreements reached," stated Alexander Lukashenko.
About Equatorial Guinea
Speaking about cooperation with Equatorial Guinea, the President of Belarus mentioned the recent visit of the President of this country to Minsk: "The frank conversation that took place confirmed that African states intend to leave behind the role of raw material appendages and strive for the industrialization of their economies. We will be good assistants to you in this."
Since the implementation of the agreed-upon plans will require maintaining a high pace of bilateral contacts, Alexander Lukashenko expects that the Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea will be a frequent guest at Belarusian ministries and enterprises, and if necessary, at the government and the Palace of Independence. "We are ready for this," said the head of state.
About Angola
The relations between Belarus and Angola have a long history, the President noted. He also pointed out the significant potential for a substantial increase in trade turnover and confirmed Belarus's interest in intensifying bilateral political dialogue, cooperation in trade, economic, and other spheres.
About Uganda
Alexander Lukashenko named Uganda as one of Belarus's promising partners in Africa. "We could significantly increase trade, interact more actively in the fields of agriculture, medicine, education, and personnel training," the head of state is convinced. "We are ready to supply our equipment and quality products. I am sure that with the participation of the new ambassador, these and many other issues will be further developed."
About Cambodia
"Strengthening multifaceted cooperation with all countries of the world, Belarus continues its active movement to the East," the President stated.
According to him, one of Belarus's priorities in Southeast Asia is the Kingdom of Cambodia: "We see opportunities for a significant expansion of bilateral cooperation in industry, agriculture, and infrastructure modernization."
About the Philippines
"Despite the geographical distance, we consider the Republic of the Philippines a significant partner for our country," said Alexander Lukashenko. He noted Belarus's readiness to cooperate with Manila in the sphere of food security, including sharing experience in creating agro-industrial holdings that carry out both production and processing of agricultural products.
About Jordan
The President emphasized Belarus's interest in further expanding the circle of partners in the Middle East. In this regard, he noted that Jordan has a well-deserved international authority and acts as a peacemaking country in the region.
"Belarus shares similar approaches. I am convinced that our countries have all the prerequisites for more active cooperation in political, economic, educational, scientific, cultural, tourism, and other spheres. This fully meets the interests of both states," he declared.
About Colombia
Alexander Lukashenko named Colombia, which is currently pursuing a more balanced and independent policy in international affairs, as an important partner for Belarus in Latin America.
"The converging approaches of Minsk and Bogota regarding illegitimate restrictions and the assessment of the global situation open up new opportunities for intensifying dialogue at all levels, expanding trade, and cooperation in other areas," the head of state is convinced.
Source: belta.by