Press releases

21 Jan 2026

Beautiful women, reliable tractors, potash fertilizers: What else is Belarus known for abroad?

An archive photo

MINSK, 21 January (BelTA) – Belarus’ Foreign Affairs Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov commented on what foreigners associate Belarus with in an interview with BelTA.

“Around the world, it’s known that Belarus has the most beautiful women. And in every country I’ve visited, people mention this. The BELARUS tractor is highly valued in many parts of the world. During the Soviet era, our tractors played a crucial role in agriculture across a vast number of countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and even the USA and Canada,” the minister said. He added that recently, the speaker of Pakistan’s parliament sent him a video showing Belarusian machinery working on his private farm. “A 1990 BELARUS tractor is as reliable as a Kalashnikov. It’s no surprise that we have a joint tractor assembly and manufacturing program with Pakistan today.”

“In countries facing acute food security challenges, potash fertilizers are absolutely vital. Of course, they know Belarus is one of the world’s leading producers,” Maxim Ryzhenkov noted.

The tragic pages of Belarus’ history are also well known worldwide: its role in the defeat of the fascist coalition and the genocide of the Belarusian people. “Many know the history of the Brest Fortress well. For instance, during his visit to Minsk, the Sultan of Oman showed great interest in the Museum of the Great Patriotic War,” the minister emphasized.

Many countries are also interested in Belarus’ experience in overcoming the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear accident. “This topic is particularly relevant for Algeria, where the French conducted nuclear tests and where cancer rates remain high today. They are looking for countries that can help address these problems and recognize the expertise of Belarusian healthcare, understanding that we have accumulated significant experience in this field since Chernobyl,” Maxim Ryzhenkov added.