MINSK, 6 May (BelTA) – Belarus is expecting a visit from the president of Egypt, Artur Karpovich, Belarusian Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade Minister and Co-chair of the Belarus-Egypt joint trade commission, said following the 8th meeting of the commission, BelTA has learned.
“There is mutual interest, and Belarus views Egypt as a gateway to the African continent, as a hub for the presence of Belarusian industry. Egypt is our long-standing and reliable partner,” Artur Karpovich noted. “We expect the Egyptian side to make every effort to organize a visit by the president of Egypt to Belarus. We are open. The corresponding invitation has been sent and preliminarily confirmed. Therefore, we hope this will give an additional impetus to the development of our bilateral relations.”
“There is mutual interest, and Belarus views Egypt as a gateway to the African continent, as a hub for the presence of Belarusian industry. Egypt is our long-standing and reliable partner,” Artur Karpovich noted. “We expect the Egyptian side to make every effort to organize a visit by the president of Egypt to Belarus. We are open. The corresponding invitation has been sent and preliminarily confirmed. Therefore, we hope this will give an additional impetus to the development of our bilateral relations.”
The previous meeting of the Belarus-Egypt joint trade commission took place in Cairo in 2023. Bilateral trade remains modest for now. Artur Karpovich highlighted such areas as supplies of MAZ and MTZ machinery.
“Egypt has recognized that this is high-quality, reliable equipment at affordable prices, capable of competing with global brands today. Moreover, we are already moving further toward establishing joint production facilities in Egypt,” the minister said.
He noted certain difficulties related to sanctions affecting banking payments, but the parties are finding ways to bypass these barriers. A trilateral agreement is planned on the supply of machinery to Egypt and fruit exports from Egypt to Belarus. A proposal has also been made to create an industrial goods hub in Egypt.
“We, in turn, propose considering the supply not only of industrial products but also a wide range of consumer goods,” Artur Karpovich added, noting that this would allow consumers to appreciate Belarus’ tasty and healthy food products. The delegation visited one of the country’s dairy-processing enterprises and was delighted with the locally produced glazed curd snacks.
“This is only the beginning of our close and mutually beneficial cooperation,” the Belarusian minister concluded.
A delegation of the Arab Republic of Egypt headed by Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Mohamed Farid Saleh is visiting Belarus from 4 to 8 May. The Belarus-Egypt business forum is scheduled for 7 May.
Photos by Kristina Aksenova/ BelTA
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