TBILISI, 22 March (BelTA) – In the last few years Belarus and Georgia have managed to rebuild their bilateral relations anew. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement during expanded-participation talks with Georgia President Giorgi Margvelashvili in Tbilisi on 22 March, BelTA has learned.
Alexander Lukashenko said: “In the last two or three years we have indeed done a lot in order not to simply intensify our relations but rebuild them anew and lay the foundation you've mentioned. We've set out to reach an ambitious goal — a trade turnover of $200 million despite all the problems that exist today. We are not simply resolute to achieve the goal. We can achieve it by the end of the year. It means we are on the right track.”
Alexander Lukashenko also thanked the leadership of Georgia for support at international platforms, including the OSCE, the UN, and the Eastern Partnership Initiative. “Georgia has never shunned Belarus in most difficult times. Both Mikheil Saakashvili and the current government have always supported the Belarusian nation. We certainly owe a debt of gratitude to the brotherly nation of Georgia for the colossal solidarity you have always demonstrated towards Belarus,” stressed the head of state.
Speaking about advancing trade and economic cooperation, Alexander Lukashenko noted that the countries go beyond simple trade. While trade is important, the two countries have started setting up research centers for agriculture and joint manufacturing enterprises. “There are no cooperation topics we avoid,” said Alexander Lukashenko.
Alexander Lukashenko went on saying that well-trained workforce is needed for the effective development of this or that direction. The two countries have good potential for cooperation in this regard. “If we are to set up joint ventures to make tractors, we will help you train the relevant specialists. If we decide to explore animal husbandry, we will help with scientists and specialists. If we decide to venture into transplantology together, here is the head of our internationally recognized center [for organ and tissue transplantation Oleg Rummo],” stated the president.
