"You are the greatest nation." Why is Lukashenko focused on developing relations with Syria and Lebanon
The Middle East… The interests of many states intersect in this region. Both those that are closer and those that are far away, even overseas. And in the modern world, God forbid you fall into someone's sphere of interest – a real mess will start…
Take Syria and Lebanon, for example. These are by no means poor countries, with rich histories and serious prospects. Yes, they have their internal contradictions. But when someone wants to profit from them, expect war. Belarus, despite everything, no matter what events unfold in the Middle East, has never severed ties with friendly states. Moreover, it has always striven to contribute to their development. Why? That's what we'll talk about now. In a new episode of the BELTA YouTube project "As a Matter of Fact: The First's Decisions," we will tell you what benefits Belarus seeks in Syria and Lebanon, and whether it's about benefits at all, what message Foreign Minister Mikhail Ryzhenkov took from Lukashenko to these countries, and why, according to the President of Belarus, these states deserve a great future.
What Belarus expects from Syria and Lebanon
Belarus indeed has many friends in the Middle East. Objectively, some of them are richer, some are poorer. But, as practice has shown, the Belarusian leadership does not think in such categories and does not divide countries into rich and not so rich. Yes, with some we actively develop investment cooperation, while to others we bring our goods and technologies. But with whomever Alexander Lukashenko negotiates, he always emphasizes: there are no closed topics.
Belarus has adhered to the same principles in building relations with Syria and Lebanon. No political expediency and interference in internal affairs. Only equal and mutually beneficial dialogue.
"The potential that we have built up over all the years of our diplomatic presence in the Middle East region and in relations with Syria and Lebanon allows us at this stage – in many respects a turning point in the lives of both countries – to maintain our strong, stable positions both in bilateral relations and regarding our stance on the development of the situation in the region as a whole. We are present here solely with the desire for equal and fruitful cooperation in all spheres of our interaction, both on a bilateral basis and in the international arena," said Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Belarus to Syria and concurrently to Lebanon and Jordan Yuri Sluka.