Opinions & Interviews

Andreichenko: Belarus-Cuba relations rely on solid foundation

MINSK, 26 January (BelTA) – Belarus-Cuba cooperation relies on a solid foundation, Chairman of the House of Representatives Vladimir Andreichenko said as he met with outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cuba to Belarus Juan Valdes Figueroa, BelTA has learned.

"This is not our first meeting. Unfortunately, you are leaving Belarus soon. But I am sure that you will have good memories of Belarus, the Belarusian people and their hospitality. During your work here, you have done a lot to strengthen trusting relations between Belarus and Cuba. In 2019, the Cuban president visited Belarus and met with the Belarusian president. Important issues were discussed then. We believe that a good foundation has been created for further work in the international arena and for the development of economic and humanitarian cooperation," Vladimir Andreichenko said.

During Belarus’ chairmanship in the Eurasian Economic Union, Cuba received an observer status. "Our inter-parliamentary cooperation is also important. We will be pleased to host the president of the Cuban Parliament. As agreed, we are preparing a visit of deputy speaker Valery Mitskevich to Cuba. The visit has been tentatively scheduled for 13-15 February. Mr Mitskevich will also attend a meeting of the Latin American Parliament which will be held in Panama. We think that the visit will be eventful and productive," he said.

Vladimir Andreichenko stressed that Belarus and Cuba interact very productively in international parliamentary organizations. "We need to continue to cooperate closely, especially in the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Latin American Parliament. Since the autumn of 2021, we have been participating in the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement. We need to cooperate more closer there,” the speaker stated. “I would like to thank you for promoting contacts between the parliamentary friendship groups of Belarus and Cuba during your tenure. The groups adopted numerous statements against the pressure and sanctions exerted on Belarus and Cuba. We need to work more closely on the trade and economic agreement, on the action plan signed by our governments. There are interesting projects in agriculture, an agreement to build a poultry farm in a free economic zone that offers substantial preferences. Shipments of agricultural products and food increased last year. You are well aware about the state of affairs in other areas. Our relations will continue to gain momentum. You have laid a good groundwork.”

The ambassador noted that Belarus and Cuba are connected not only by professional relations but also by friendly and fraternal ties. "This attests to the high level of our relations achieved over many years. The history of our relations goes further back, rooted in our shared past," he said. “Relations between our presidents are good. Cuba shows solidarity with Belarus. It is under attacks from the countries that continuously attempt to undermine the internal order and create so-called color revolutions. You saw what happened in Kazakhstan. So we need to withstand all these attacks. We are grateful for your support and solidarity."

For his part, Ambassador Juan Valdes Figueroa noted that Belarus and Cuba have a great potential for the development of cooperation across a wide range of issues.

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