Events
Fruitful negotiations between presidents of Belarus, Zimbabwe
MINSK, 17 January (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko described his negotiations with Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa as fruitful, BelTA has learned.
Alexander Lukashenko said: “I believe today’s meeting was a productive one. We had a lot of topics to discuss in detail. Certain agreements were reached. The most important thing is that we’ve agreed that by the time of my visit to Zimbabwe we will prepare a number of concrete contracts, which the two countries will have to implement as early as this year. We intend to secure considerable progress soon not only in bilateral trade but also in cooperation in the spheres of private business, manufacturing sector and agriculture, the extraction of natural resources, and education.”
According to Alexander Lukashenko, the main avenues of developing Belarus-Zimbabwe relations were discussed as well as prospects of advancing them to new heights. “Belarus views Zimbabwe as an important partner in the South Africa region. Relations between the two countries can be described as friendly and mutually beneficial,” noted the Belarusian leader.
Alexander Lukashenko reminded that last year the sides already signed contracts on delivering many millions worth of vehicles made by Belarusian MAZ, MTZ, and Gomselmash to Zimbabwe using export loans. The shipments are supposed to begin soon. “Zimbabwe needs these machines and vehicles very much. Without them it is impossible to modernize the economy the way the president wants it,” noted Alexander Lukashenko.
Alexander Lukashenko stated that Belarus and Zimbabwe intend to move on and secure more up-to-date and versatile economic relations instead of simple trade. With this in mind the sides discussed prospects of implementing investment projects and joint projects in Zimbabwe in the spheres of agriculture, civil engineering, transport infrastructure, power engineering, geological exploration, and the extraction of natural resources.
Alexander Lukashenko stated: “Belarus is interested in promoting its services, machines, vehicles, and equipment within the framework of various projects. Particularly in the sphere of mining industry. We are ready to set up a mechanical engineering enterprise, a meat and dairy complex, ready to develop road infrastructure, develop sites of mineral resources. We are ready to work together in the areas of education and healthcare. We believe that increasing and diversifying Belarusian export to Zimbabwe should meet common interests. It should facilitate the economic development of the country among other things. Our partners are intent on industrializing, developing agriculture and training highly qualified personnel. We are ready to provide essential support to you in these matters. We believe the approach is mutually beneficial and surefire for both partners.”
Alexander Lukashenko also counts on expanding Belarus-Zimbabwe relations in the area of the private sector, with long-term mutually beneficial contacts established. The head of state believes it is necessary to establish and maintain steady business ties between the chambers of commerce and industry and the associations of business circles.
Alexander Lukashenko described the potential for Belarus-Zimbabwe cooperation as huge. “Certainly, Zimbabwe is living through a complicated period now. It has to deal with things. This is why I wished decisive actions to overcome problems to the president and to the delegation. I wished patience and courage to the industrious Zimbabwean nation. All countries and nations have had to deal with hardships and trials,” he said.
Alexander Lukashenko also said he hopes that Zimbabwe will be able to accomplish the necessary changes within a short period of time. “You are on the right track. Friends are very important on this track as the president said. You can rest assured that Belarus is your reliable friend and helper,” he said.
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