Lukashenko calls Kazakhstan's president true friend of Belarus

MINSK, 1 October (BelTA) - Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has always been a true friend of Belarus, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during a credentials ceremony in Minsk on 1 October, BelTA has learned.

New Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belarus Timur Zhaxylykov also presented his credentials. When talking to the ambassador Aleksandr Lukashenko said that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev "has always been our true friend".

"Ignore the nonsense written by some media outlets. Thank you very much. I hope that we will meet again and discuss all matters," the head of state added.

As BelTA reported, during the credentials ceremony, the president called Kazakhstan an important, time-tested friend, strategic partner and ally for Belarus. The head of state remarked that the two countries have common interests practically in all areas. Billion-dollar trade and successful projects in the manufacturing sector show the high dynamics of bilateral cooperation. Aleksandr Lukashenko also expressed his gratitude to the president of Kazakhstan for the all-round support for Belarus during Kazakhstan's chairmanship in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.