MINSK, 24 October (BelTA) – Belarus intends to increase the volume of trade with African countries. Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei made the statement after negotiations with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Minsk on 24 October, BelTA has learned.
Vladimir Makei underlined it is necessary to put more efforts into advancing Belarus' ties with African countries, primarily as part of the Belarus president's instruction to diversify relations with non-CIS states. “We should pay more attention to untraditional markets of the distant-arc countries. The African continent is hugely interesting for us in this regard,” said Vladimir Makei. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that Belarus' trade with African countries amounts to only 1.5-2% of the total foreign trade, which is clearly not enough. Vladimir Makei noted that Belarus is intent on advancing and restoring relations with African countries. Many of the relations originate back in the Soviet Union time. Contacts in education are vigorously developed among other things.
The Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs also pointed out that an overwhelming majority of African countries are members of the Non-Aligned Movement, of which Belarus is a member, too. “The affinity and commonality of views represent a good foundation for advancing our cooperation with African region countries,” he said.
