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Lukashenko: Belarus’ trade interests lie in Africa, Latin America, Asia

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MINSK, 10 March (BelTA) – Belarus’ trade interests and new potential are in Africa, Latin America and Asia, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the meeting of the Council of Ministers on 10 March, BelTA has learned.

The head of state addressed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “You need to continuously convey to the business community of each country the position that Belarus is an open, honest and peaceful partner. Businessmen are smart and pragmatic, unlike many Western politicians. They are ready for mutually beneficial cooperation and are even now looking for opportunities to restore old business ties and create new ones. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should take an informal approach to address issues in the current situation. The stream, which you restore or establish, will eventually turn into a huge river.”

Belarus should not focus on the USA and Europe, which are openly hostile to the counrty, although these markets should not be disregarded either, Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Africa, Latin America and Asia are our trade interests, our new potential,” the Belarusian leader said. “The ongoing procedure to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, strengthening cooperation with the ASEAN countries has already opened doors for Belarus to the fastest growing and most promising markets,” he added.

The Eurasian Economic Union should increase its importance as one of the significant centers of regional interaction, the president is convinced. “Although talks about the work to remove existing barriers and restrictions, the collective response to Western sanctions have already gotten a bit old, they still remain relevant. We need to work on every position. And we need to do it as fast as possible,” the head of state said.

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