MINSK, 31 May (BelTA) – Belarus is a reliable and predictable political and economic partner, Belarus Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said as he met with heads of diplomatic missions of African states on the sidelines of the second Belarusian-African Economic Forum in Minsk on 31 May, BelTA has learned.
“The coronavirus pandemic has become a serious challenge for all countries, affecting business and personal contacts. It is gratifying that the situation is gradually improving, we are returning to the usual format of interaction,” the Belarusian foreign minister said.
He emphasized that cooperation with African countries is a traditional and important component of Belarus' multipronged foreign policy. Vladimir Makei noted that the government and domestic exporters seek to secure a foothold in these markets and promote win-win cooperation. “We are working consistently and comprehensively on it. Conceptual documents and plans to expand trade and economic cooperation with African states have been drafted, specific measures for interaction have been outlined,” the minister said.
“The Republic of Belarus is your reliable and predictable partner. Belarus and African states have the same stance in international affairs, and this stance is based on the principles of respect for international law, equality, non-interference in domestic affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes and commitment to multilateralism in addressing the most important problems and challenges of our time. Many of you already know from your own experience that Belarus never uses unfair methods in relations with its partners,” the minister emphasized.
Vladimir Makei also recalled an old proverb that says: if you want to go fast - go alone, if you want to go far ahead - go together. “We are ready to move forward together as we seek to create new springboards for our cooperation and strengthen synergy between our strategies and plans, which will give a boost to mutually beneficial relations focused on the needs of our countries and peoples,” Vladimir Makei said.
