Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 21 December (BelTA) – Belarus will continue developing fruitful all-round cooperation with Iraq, Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Valentin Rybakov said at a event organized by the Embassy of Iraq on 20 December to mark the 20^th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Belarus.

“We are determined to continue advancing our fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation with Iraq in various sectors. With joint efforts we will be able to take our bilateral cooperation onto the level to meet the countries’ potential, first of all, in the trade and economic sector. Iraq can always consider Belarus a reliable partner which is ready to lend its shoulder through hard times and share the joy of successful cooperation in peace,” said Valentin Rybakov.

The diplomat noted that a number of mutual visits have been recently conducted between the two countries. “Very soon we will welcome a delegation from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We will hold talks and a number of meetings. We expect the visit of industry and agriculture ministers, businessmen. Iraq shows big interest in cooperation with Belarus,” he said.

Valentin Rybakov added that the current situation in Iraq does not allow reaching maximum results in bilateral cooperation yet. “Iraq is going through hard times at present. Despite this fact, our country stays with the Iraqi people. We are doing our best to advance our cooperation in the economic, humanitarian and security sectors. We hope that peace will finally come to Iraq and the security situation will improve so that our companies could work directly with the country,” the deputy minister said.