Photo courtesy of the House of Representatives
MINSK, 28 April (BelTA) - Economic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Belarus have seen a serious surge, said Ibrahim Salim Al-Musharrakh, the UAE’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belarus, BelTA has learned.
According to the ambassador, the cooperation between the two countries greatly benefits from the friendly relations between their leaders and people.
“Today we can already see concrete results. All this has become possible thanks to direct contacts between the leaders and officials of the two countries. One clear result is a surge in economic relations and trade, which has increased fivefold or even more. We hope that this momentum will continue in the future,” Ibrahim Salim Al-Musharrakh said.
Speaking about priority areas of cooperation between the UAE and Belarus, the ambassador pointed to several components. “In politics, we continue to strengthen our relations through regular contacts between officials. Economically, we are looking for new investment opportunities in both countries: in energy, technology, food security, healthcare, and, of course, tourism. These are the areas the UAE prioritizes in its relations with other countries,” he noted.
Ibrahim Salim Al-Musharrakh also highlighted scientific and academic cooperation, an area where the two countries have taken concrete steps by establishing contacts between universities and research institutions. The two sides plan to put the agreements into practice, for example by organizing student exchanges in the future.
Sergei Rachkov, Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs of the House of Representatives confirmed that cooperation is developing dynamically in all areas. Political and humanitarian ties are on the rise, along with significant trade, economic, and investment cooperation. He noted that for Belarus, the United Arab Emirates is one of its key partners in the Middle East.
“This country is a major investor in the economy of the Republic of Belarus. A major investment project is being implemented, the smart city North Waterfront in Minsk. Another major investment project has been completed: a hotel complex in Minsk that is among the best in our capital and, I believe, in Europe and the world. Some projects are being completed, others are in progress, and we are also discussing new plans,” he said.
Sergei Rachkov emphasized that during the meeting the parties also discussed the situation unfolding in the Middle East.
According to the ambassador, the cooperation between the two countries greatly benefits from the friendly relations between their leaders and people.
“Today we can already see concrete results. All this has become possible thanks to direct contacts between the leaders and officials of the two countries. One clear result is a surge in economic relations and trade, which has increased fivefold or even more. We hope that this momentum will continue in the future,” Ibrahim Salim Al-Musharrakh said.
Speaking about priority areas of cooperation between the UAE and Belarus, the ambassador pointed to several components. “In politics, we continue to strengthen our relations through regular contacts between officials. Economically, we are looking for new investment opportunities in both countries: in energy, technology, food security, healthcare, and, of course, tourism. These are the areas the UAE prioritizes in its relations with other countries,” he noted.
Ibrahim Salim Al-Musharrakh also highlighted scientific and academic cooperation, an area where the two countries have taken concrete steps by establishing contacts between universities and research institutions. The two sides plan to put the agreements into practice, for example by organizing student exchanges in the future.
Sergei Rachkov, Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs of the House of Representatives confirmed that cooperation is developing dynamically in all areas. Political and humanitarian ties are on the rise, along with significant trade, economic, and investment cooperation. He noted that for Belarus, the United Arab Emirates is one of its key partners in the Middle East.
“This country is a major investor in the economy of the Republic of Belarus. A major investment project is being implemented, the smart city North Waterfront in Minsk. Another major investment project has been completed: a hotel complex in Minsk that is among the best in our capital and, I believe, in Europe and the world. Some projects are being completed, others are in progress, and we are also discussing new plans,” he said.
Sergei Rachkov emphasized that during the meeting the parties also discussed the situation unfolding in the Middle East.
“It is clear that this is a particular concern for our partners from the UAE. But it is also important for Belarus. We are concerned about what is happening. It affects the interests not only of the countries located in the Middle East but, as we see today, practically everyone in the world, because fuel prices are rising. Food prices are also likely to rise, if they haven’t already. And the Republic of Belarus is a major food supplier to the UAE. We are increasing our supplies and diversifying the range of products we export. That is why it is very important for us to exchange views with our partners from the UAE and get first-hand information,” he remarked.
Sergei Rachkov also noted that during a recent Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Belarusian parliamentarians met with their UAE counterparts and were able to hear the country’s views and position on the evolving situation in this very important and highly volatile region.
Sergei Rachkov also noted that during a recent Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Belarusian parliamentarians met with their UAE counterparts and were able to hear the country’s views and position on the evolving situation in this very important and highly volatile region.
As for inter-parliamentary cooperation, Sergei Rachkov believes that more momentum is needed. “Friendship groups are active and interact, but mostly via video and other forms of communication. So, of course, we are discussing the possibility of a delegation from the UAE visiting the Republic of Belarus. It is clear that the situation is tense right now, but we are ready to receive our colleagues from the UAE parliament at any time convenient for them,” he said.
Follow us on:
