MOSCOW, 23 April (BelTA) - Belarus highly appreciates the commitment of Latin American countries to developing constructive dialogue, Belarusian Ambassador to Russia Dmitry Krutoi said at the 3rd Belarusian-Latin American Forum in Moscow on 23 April, BelTA has learned.
"The fact that we are meeting here for the third year in a row testifies to our mutual sincere interest and commitment to continuing multifaceted economic cooperation. The conditions are very difficult. A multipolar world order is emerging and the principle of sovereign equality of states is re-gaining importance. We highly appreciate the commitment of Latin America countries to developing a constructive dialogue, pursuing an independent policy in the international arena, taking into account national interests," Ambassador Dmitry Krutoi said.
He cited Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, who has repeatedly stressed that Belarus is ready to work with all countries without exception, on any issue. "However, this position is not convenient for everyone. Trying to save its dominance, the West is actively using unilateral coercive measures, the number of which has become unprecedented, including against Belarus," the ambassador said.
"The countries of Latin America are long-standing friends and partners for us. This is a capacious and promising market with good opportunities for both trade and mutual investment. In Venezuela Belarus has built many residential complexes and industrial factories, and thus showed that there are no obstacles for us either in terms of logistics or finance," Ambassador Dmitry Krutoi said.
“Belarusian food has already become a global phenomenon. It is known and loved in over a hundred countries around the world. Last year, the country earned almost $8 billion on the export of cheese, milk, sweets, vodka, sausages. Belarus has long been self-sufficient in food and stands ready to export not only food products but also scientific developments (seeds, new varieties, pedigree livestock), technologies for the turnkey construction of dairy and meat farms of any level of complexity," the diplomat noted.
"Belarusian light industry goods are also in great demand both in Russia and in other countries. Linen, carpets, rugs and footwear can also carve our their niche in Latin America. The recent developments, in particular the coronavirus pandemic, have shown how important the pharmaceutical industry is. Belarus has worthy achievements in this sector which you will also hear about today. Of course, we will talk a lot about investment support. Belarus is ready to come with its own technologies. As a transit country, Belarus pays special attention to logistics and cargo transportation. We are well aware of all the current difficulties," Ambassador Dmitry Krutoi noted.
"Latin America is an old friend for us. Together we have implemented many excellent projects. We don't need to get to know each other. The goal of the forum is not only and not so much to present opportunities. The goal is to provide the most up-to-date information on what is happening in the country's foreign trade and how we can quickly apply and deploy the mechanisms and tools developed over the past two years in the context of sanctions (on the movement of money, new logistics, on the execution of contracts) in Latin America," the ambassador added.
The 3rd Belarusian-Latin American Forum was organized by the National Center for Marketing jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus and was hosted by the Business and Cultural Center of the Belarusian Embassy in Russia. The Belarusian delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Evgeny Shestakov. The event brought together the heads of the embassies and trade and economic missions of Latin American countries accredited in Russia and concurrently in Belarus.
At the forum, Belarus presented its light industry, pharmaceutical and food industries and also the most promising projects in biotechnology, production of biopreparations for agriculture and biofertilizers. The program also included presentations on logistics and settlements with counterparties in the countries of the region.
