MINSK, 20 September (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has appointed new ambassadors of Belarus to Tajikistan, Brazil and the Republic of Korea, BelTA has learned.
Viktor Denisenko will represent Belarus in Tajikistan. He has previously worked as Deputy Head of the Main Directorate - Head of the CIS Countries Department of the Main Directorate of Russia, the CIS Countries and Eurasian Integration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sergei Lukashevich, a senior adviser to the Belarusian Embassy in Spain, has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Federative Republic of Brazil.
Andrei Chernetsky will be in charge of the Belarusian embassy in the Republic of Korea.
Aleksandr Lukashenko wanted to know the details of how the candidates for ambassadorships were selected. “You understand that we cannot make a mistake in appointing ambassadors,” the head of state told Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei.
The foreign minister, in turn, assured that all these people are absolutely reliable and competent; the candidates for ambassadors were thoroughly discussed at several rounds of meetings at various levels. The new ambassadors have also showed themselves well at their previous jobs.
Speaking about Tajikistan, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that it is not just an ally, it is also the country whose leader Emomali Rahmon is a friend of the Belarusian president. “We have practically no secrets from each other. My recent three-day visit was a testimony to that. Therefore, it will be easy for you to work there,” he said addressing Viktor Denisenko.
On the other hand, the president noted, there is a lot of room for growth in bilateral trade; everything is in place to expand cooperation with Tajikistan in a number of areas.
“The main thing for any ambassador is trade and economic cooperation. We have no political problems with Tajikistan, as well as with other countries where you will go,” the Belarusian leader said.
He also spoke about cooperation with Brazil: “A huge and powerful state. And we need to increase our presence there. At least little by little. I mean trade and economic relations. As to politics, you will see to what extent it will be possible.” Here the head of state also counts on Russia's support. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must help through Russia and BRICS. Russians can help in many areas, especially in Brazil and especially now, when they are trying to assist us at many levels amidst the sanctions. It's a difficult period for them, just like for us. But, as you can see, we are coping. I think we will handle it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
“As for Korea, we really need to cooperate with them. Now it is necessary to team up with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to outline the main areas of our cooperation. They meet us halfway. They are interested in this huge platform in the center of Europe. Therefore, we need to maintain relations with them,” the Belarusian leader noted.
