An archive photo
MINSK, 12 February (BelTA) – Lebanon is a long-standing and good partner for Belarus, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov told journalists following his visit to Lebanon, BelTA reports.
The situation around Lebanon is now complicated, but Belarus continues dialogue with Lebanon, no matter how difficult it is. The foreign minister was asked about cooperation prospects in view of the recent elections in Lebanon and the formation of a new cabinet.
“The situation in the region is very complicated. In fact, ceasefire agreements are not consistently observed. There are certain problems along Lebanon's entire border. But this does not stop us,” Maksim Ryzhenkov said.
He noted that there is a fairly big Lebanese diaspora in Belarus. Over 600 students from Lebanon study in the country. Most of them return to their homeland to improve the socio-economic situation in their country and provide important services.
“Lebanon is our long-term, good partner. Of course, we cannot put our relations on hold until the situation there becomes perfectly fine. We believe that we should help Lebanon today, when it is more relevant than ever,” the foreign minister said.
In order to show Belarus' commitment to friendship, Aleksandr Lukashenko arranged to send humanitarian aid to Lebanon. The Belarusian delegation brought 100 tonnes of dry milk and 10 ambulances to Lebanon. “This is our way to support our friends in Lebanon today, when they need it most,” said Maksim Ryzhenkov.
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