Belarus and Azerbaijan have great potential for significant progress in cooperation

On June 7, Baku /BELTA correspondent/. On the third day of his visit to Baku, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko met with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Artur Rasi-zade, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader. During the meeting, the head of the Belarusian state noted that at the present stage, trade and economic relations between the countries are developing quite dynamically, however, the states have great potential for significant progress in this direction. Belarus will strengthen its presence in Azerbaijan by sending its specialists here and working on those promising areas that are already being implemented here. Assembly and joint ventures operate in Azerbaijan, and Belarusian specialists work in the construction industry. According to the President, Belarus can implement projects in Azerbaijan worth $1 billion. According to him, this is quite feasible for both countries. He also believes that Azerbaijan has something to offer the European market, and emphasized that Azerbaijan can count on Belarus as a platform for trade with Europe in this regard. The head of the Belarusian state noted the significant contribution of the intergovernmental Belarusian-Azerbaijani commission to the dynamic development of trade and economic relations. In his opinion, the Belarusian embassy is also working well in Azerbaijan. "All policy should be aimed at ensuring economic stability in relations, in trade and economic interaction," believes Alexander Lukashenko. He added that one of the main indicators of the embassy's work is the level of mutual trade and investment. On the same day, the head of the Belarusian state visited Baku Slavic University. Here, Alexander Lukashenko was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of this university for his merits in strengthening friendship and cooperation between Belarus and Azerbaijan, and his personal contribution to the development of ties between the peoples of the two countries. Speaking to the faculty and students of Baku Slavic University, Alexander Lukashenko noted that he regards the awarding of this title as a sign of attention and respect for Belarus, a great honor for himself personally, and at the same time as an incentive for further work on building mutually beneficial partnerships between the two countries. The President spoke in detail about the stages of the formation of the Belarusian state after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the main features of the Belarusian development model.

The Head of State focused on key aspects of Belarusian foreign policy, noting that its distinctive features are pragmatism and consistency in defending its national interests. Belarus strictly adheres to a multi-vector strategy, which it has been pursuing for 15 years. The country has no global geopolitical ambitions and does not create confrontation with neighbouring states. Alexander Lukashenko emphasised that Belarus is ready for dialogue and constructive cooperation with all foreign partners without exception in various fields, but only on the basis of mutual respect, without attempts at pressure or coercion. "We are categorically against anyone trying to bend or push someone from behind," said the Belarusian leader. "We are ready to cooperate, but as equals." Regarding interaction with Azerbaijan, Alexander Lukashenko stated that the two countries have "brilliant relations, and we will maintain them." "Today, distance is not an obstacle to cooperation. And you should remember that you have reliable friends in Belarus," said the President. The Head of State also touched upon the issue of settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In the opinion of the Belarusian leader, it should be resolved exclusively by peaceful means. He stressed: "No mediators will solve this problem for you. Only direct dialogue between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia." Then Alexander Lukashenko took part in the opening ceremony of the Centre for Belarusian Language and Culture at Baku Slavic University. The President noted that the event testifies to the fact that Belarus and Azerbaijan are further "ready to do great things and move in the same direction." "This is another thread of people's diplomacy," he stressed. An agreement was also reached on opening an Azerbaijani centre at Maxim Tank Belarusian State Pedagogical University. Baku Slavic University maintains close ties with BSPU, and from the new academic year, these two universities will exchange teachers of Belarusian and Azerbaijani languages. Alexander Lukashenko also communicated with the active members of the "Azerbaijan - Belarus" Friendship and Cooperation Society and left an entry in the Book of Honour.After the events at the university, the Head of the Belarusian State visited the construction site of the Embassy of Belarus in Azerbaijan. Here he was met by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. The Heads of State symbolically laid a capsule in the foundation of the future building. Alexander Lukashenko believes that the builders are capable of erecting the embassy building within one year. The Minister of Architecture and Construction of Belarus, Alexander Seleznev, made a brief presentation of the embassy construction project and the concept for the development of the coastal part of Baku. Belarusian specialists have designed a comprehensive development of a 25 km long embankment zone. It is planned that part of the area will be allocated for sports facilities: the headquarters of the Olympic Committee, the Palace of Water Sports, a cycling track, a rowing canal, and a yacht club. In the southern part of the city, it is proposed to create museums of the sea and oil, as well as to build a cable car. The project allocates a significant territory for a recreation park, which will showcase the cultures of various peoples. It is also planned to create tourist complexes and hotels on the nearby islands. Ilham Aliyev instructed the Baku City Hall to carefully consider the project presented by Belarusian specialists. A brief presentation of communal machinery jointly produced by Minsk Automobile Plant and Ganja Automobile Plant was also held for the Heads of State. Then they continued their negotiations in an informal setting at the residence of the President of Azerbaijan. -0-

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