Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 26 September (BelTA) – Belarus is keen on intensifying cooperation with Qatar, Belarus’ Trade Minister Valentin Chekanov said as he met with Ambassador of Qatar to Belarus (on concurrent) Ahmed Saif Al-Midhadi on 26 September, BelTA has learnt.

Valentin Chekanov underlined: “Qatar is among Belarus’ major partners in the region; we will put every effort into deepening the bilateral cooperation”. The minister believes that the two countries have a solid foundation to move forward. Speaking about plans, the Belarusian Trade Minister noted that Belarus seeks long-standing and all-round ties with Qatar.

The trade between Belarus and Qatar has been on the rise. “The trade and economic cooperation has been gaining momentum and becoming more meaningful,” Valentin Chekanov said.

In his words, Belarus will work to facilitate business contacts between the two countries. The Trade Minister suggested arranging a visit of a Qatari business delegation to Belarus as part of the agreements reached during the second session of the joint committee. Belarus is ready to implement projects in sugar production, investment projects in fishing, poultry production, and construction of biogas installations. Belarus also suggests supplying foodstuffs to Qatar and third countries and offers Belarusian industrial products.

“We would like to step up efforts in this field and get down to specific projects,” Valentin Chekanov said.

Ahmed Saif Al-Midhadi noted that Qatar is also interested in closer ties with Belarus. In his view, the two countries are well-positioned to promote cooperation across a number of areas. As for Belarus’ suggestions, the ambassador promised to study some of them personally.