Lukashenko proposes to intensify cooperation between Belarus and Tajikistan
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko proposes to work out directions for intensifying cooperation with Tajikistan, especially against the backdrop of a recent decline in trade turnover. The head of state announced this at a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to Belarus, Bakhtovar Safarzoda, a BELTA correspondent reports.
"Let's intensify our relations. Emomali Sharipovich (President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. - BELTA note) and I will discuss in the near future, at the first opportunity, the directions for intensifying our relations. And you, as an ambassador, a very active and promising diplomat, I think, will contribute to the development of our relations," the head of state said.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that the economy and trade and economic cooperation are the basis for any interstate relations. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reassures me that last year's decline in trade turnover is insignificant and so on. But I am an economist and I am used to looking at processes in dynamics. Last year, we did not significantly reduce trade turnover, but compared to the previous year. And the previous year saw a considerable decrease in trade turnover. Therefore, overall, we have reduced trade turnover," the head of state stated.
"We cannot destroy the foundation of our relations. As I said, the basis is trade and economic relations. Therefore, we need to work hard here to bring trade turnover back, to begin with, to the stage it was at. And of course, we have enough products and goods to increase this trade turnover," the President is confident.
He emphasized that a trade turnover level of $70, $80, or even $100 million is almost nothing for Belarus and Tajikistan, given their potential. "We need to look for opportunities to increase trade turnover. Let's define them, as we always do. I am sure Tajikistan will accept such proposals. Let's define the goods we can mutually trade and exchange," Alexander Lukashenko said. "You know our capabilities well. We have everything necessary that Tajikistan needs. Both in industry and agriculture, and in the supply of automotive equipment, especially heavy trucks. You are working extensively on developments in the mining industry. We can provide you with significant help and support here."
He stressed that there are no closed topics in relations with Tajikistan and Belarus is ready to cooperate, including in the military-industrial complex. "You also know our capabilities. Tell us how we can help in ensuring your security. We are ready to get involved, although we have already taken many steps in this direction," the head of state noted.
"In short, there are a mountain of problems, and the same number of tasks that need to be solved. We are ready for this," Alexander Lukashenko summarized.
He emphasized that both countries know each other's capabilities well, and long-standing friendly and trusting relations have developed between the peoples of Belarus and Tajikistan, as well as the leaders of these states. "Our relations with President Emomali Sharipovich Rahmon are the most advanced, one might say. We have no secrets from each other. Therefore, we are building very good, friendly relations," the President said.
He asked the diplomat to convey the warmest and kindest congratulations to the President of Tajikistan on the occasion of the New Year. "I very much want it to be the most successful for the Tajik people, Tajikistan, and your leader," the head of state wished.
In turn, Bakhtovar Safarzoda conveyed warm, kind, friendly greetings from the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to the head of the Belarusian state, and also expressed gratitude for the meeting. "We know you as a great friend of the Republic of Tajikistan and a sincere friend of our leader. Your friendship is a source of pride for us, diplomats, representatives of state authorities, and the fraternal peoples of the two countries," the ambassador emphasized.
According to the results of 2022, bilateral trade with Tajikistan amounted to more than $78 million, with Belarusian exports totaling almost $70 million.
According to the results of January-November 2023, trade in goods amounted to $67.4 million. In addition, in January-October last year, the volume of trade in services was $6.4 million.
In Belarus, 9 enterprises with Tajik capital are registered, including 2 joint ventures and 7 foreign enterprises. In Tajikistan, more than 20 entities of the distribution network of Belarusian enterprises and one joint venture are operating. Assembly of various machinery, including MTZ and Gomselmash, has been established at the CJSC "Agroservice" (Gissar district), and elevators of OJSC "Mogilevliftmash" are assembled at the site in the city of Khujand.
In October 2022, during the visit of the President of Belarus to Tajikistan, a roadmap for bilateral cooperation for 2022-2026 was signed. The document consists of 39 points. Of these, 6 have been completed, 33 are under implementation, including 21 that are implemented on a permanent basis.
Source: belta.by