MINSK, 26 November (BelTA) – Belarus would like to have an Indonesian embassy in Minsk, Sergei Terentyev, the head of the Asia, Australia and Oceania Department at Belarus' Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at the opening of the Indonesia Business Expo timed to the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Belarus, BelTA has learned.
“Over these 25 years we have gone a long way: we have strengthened political contacts; our trade has increased manifold; cooperation in humanitarian field, culture and science has made considerable progress. We have opened our embassy in Indonesia and we really hope that Indonesian diplomats will be deployed to Minsk in the near future,” Sergei Terentyev said.
The diplomat noted that Indonesia can open its diplomatic mission in Belarus as soon as it increases its trade. So far, Belarus' export greatly exceeds Indonesian import. “Now our joint task is to give Indonesia bigger exposure in Belarus,” he noted.
According to the Belarusian Embassy in Indonesia, the bilateral trade made up nearly $160 million last year. Belarus' export to Indonesia was estimated at almost $135 million. Those were mainly potash fertilizers, tractors, medical furniture and devices, as well as other devices and equipment.
The Indonesia Business Expo was held in Minsk on 24-25 November. Visitors to the exhibition were able to learn more about Indonesian traditions, culture and cuisine, to take part in various master classes and to try national dishes.
