Opinions & Interviews

Belarus’ ambassador to Hungary opines on impact of sanctions

Vladimir Ulakhovich. An archive photo

MINSK, 8 December (BelTA) – Belarus and Hungary find common ground and interact even in such a difficult time as now, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Hungary Vladimir Ulakhovich said as he spoke with BelTA about recent developments in Belarus-Hungary relations. He shared his vision of the cooperation prospects and priorities and condemned bans on air travel, as these bans have a negative impact on business and human contacts.

“As my career was related to business for many years, it is quite obvious and clear to me that business contacts are an important factor that can facilitate and promote other areas of cooperation,” Vladimir Ulakhovich noted. “And taking into account external circumstances this is the focus of our work today,” he added.

The ambassador emphasized that two Belarusian business delegations visited Hungary over the past 1.5 months alone: a delegation of the Confederation of Entrepreneurship was in Hungary on 3-4 November, and a delegation of the Belarusian Union of Builders paid a visit on 21-22 November.

“Business forums and business meetings were arranged and, most importantly, the delegates had an opportunity to communicate directly, not in an online format; B2B negotiations were held,” the head of the diplomatic mission continued. “In the current conditions, this is not at all an easy thing to do when even getting somewhere in Europe from Minsk became a challenge. However, in the past there were direct flights between Minsk and Budapest,” Vladimir Ulakhovich said.

Photo by the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Hungary

“Unfortunately, these absolutely groundless and thoughtless bans on air travel ultimately had a negative impact on contacts between businesses, between ordinary people. Many Europeans do not accept this,” the Belarusian ambassador said.

“We really see and feel that despite any difficulties, despite the media environment, Belarus still has many friends in Europe who have regard for us and sincerely want to cooperate,” Vladimir Ulakhovich noted.

According to the diplomat, the Diplomatic Charity Fair was held in Budapest at the end of November under the patronage of Madame Szilvia Szijjártó-Nagy, the spouse of the Hungarian foreign minister.

“The Belarusian stand at the Christmas fair was not just eye-catching, it was a real sensation,” said Vladimir Ulakhovich.

The Belarusian stand featured products by the Beresteisky Pekar bakery, Borisov Bread Products Company, Brest Distillery Belalco, Vitebsk Alcoholic Beverages Factory Pridvin’e, Slodych Confectionery, Krasny Pischevik, Lidskoe Pivo brewery, Minsk Soft Drink Company, Minsk Sparkling Wines Factory, Savushkin Product dairy company, Santa Bremor,  Spartak confectionery, ABC, Vitebsk Cultural Center.

“We sincerely appreciate their contribution to our stand,” said Vladimir Ulakhovich. “We saw that we need to expand and diversify deliveries of Belarusian products to Hungary.”

“There is a demand for Belarusian products: the Belarusian quality is appreciated everywhere,” the ambassador of Belarus to Hungary concluded.

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