News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 1 March (BelTA) – The all-round cooperation of Belarus and Georgia is increasingly vibrant in all areas, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the meeting with mass media representatives after the talks with Georgia President Giorgi Margvelashvili on 1 March, BelTA has learned.

“Georgia is an important and promising partner of Belarus in Transcaucasia. The diplomatic relations between our countries established more than 20 years ago have a high level of trust and mutual understanding,” Alexander Lukashenko said. “Our cooperation is increasingly vibrant in all fields. We will work with our close and friendly Georgia in the same way in the future.”

The head of state expressed confidence that the opening of the Belarusian embassy in Tbilisi which took place in December 2016 will help enhance bilateral cooperation. “Our governments, regions, and enterprises have stepped up their contacts in recent time. Mutual visits of delegations specializing in various fields take place almost every month. And the main thing is that such close cooperation yields concrete results in trade and economy today,” the President remarked.

In spite of the difficult situation in the global economy, the trade turnover between the two countries went up 63% in 2016 and reached a record high level in the past five years. The aggregate trade turnover including the cost of services is close to $100 million. The range of Belarusian exports to Georgia has been expanded significantly.

Alexander Lukashenko also emphasized Belarus’ readiness to develop cooperation with Georgia in a wide range of fields. These include agribusiness, designing and construction of sports facilities, delivery of Belarusian equipment and light industry products, establishment of joint ventures, promotion of interaction in the humanitarian field and tourism.

“Georgia has never been an alien country for us. We can do a lot for you and share our best practices with you,” the head of state said.

The President of Georgia, in turn, noted that the talks focused on a wide range of issues regarding the intensification of the Belarusian-Georgian relations. In particular, these include trade, cooperation in tourism, culture, education, and other areas.

“I am glad that Belarus will deepen its relations with Georgia in the future and will use the existing potential between our countries to ensure the improvement of our wellbeing,” the President of Georgia stressed.

Giorgi Margvelashvili also thanked the Belarusian side for the active support of Georgia and assured that the bilateral relations will be strengthening in the future.