MINSK, 7 June (BelTA) – Belarus would like to see Palestine as a promising partner for implementing joint projects. Belarusian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Dapkiunas made the statement as he met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Palestine to Belarus Khalid Ariqat, BelTA has learned.
The sides discussed the current situation in the Middle East, problems of development of the Palestinian territories, and a number of international matters. The diplomats mentioned consonance of the foreign policy approaches of the sides as well as Belarus' and Palestine's persistent dedication to fundamental principles of the international law.
Close attention was paid to discussing opportunities for expanding trade and economic cooperation as a solid foundation for strengthening the bilateral relations. A potential for a considerable increase in mutual trade in merchandise and services, including in the area of healthcare, was mentioned.
The deputy minister of foreign affairs and the ambassador agreed that mutual visits of representatives of business circles as well as more vigorous cooperation between the chambers of commerce and industry and the relevant ministries of Belarus and Palestine could give a good impulse to the development of economic ties.
The sides confirmed the intention to bolster constructive Belarus-Palestine interaction in the bilateral context and international organizations, primarily the United Nations Organization. Andrei Dapkiunas and Khalid Ariqat discussed ways to improve the coordination of Belarus' actions in a large number of matters concerning economy and development with Group of 77 and China where Palestine presides. Ways to step up Belarus' interaction with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation were also mentioned.
