Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 19 October (BelTA) – Belarus is interested in developing relations with Latin American and Caribbean states with the assistance of Cuba, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Ambassador of Cuba Gerardo Suarez Alvarez whose diplomatic mission in Belarus is coming to an end, BelTA has learned.

“I would like Cuba to continue supporting us in the establishment of closer relations with friendly countries of the Caribbean Basin region and Latin America. We would like to have good relations with them. Of course, these ties should rely on the trade and economy. I think we can offer a lot of things to these countries, just like we have done for friendly Cuba,” the head of state said.

Alexander Lukashenko also suggested discussing the interaction with Venezuela. “Maybe, you know more about the situation in Venezuela, which is also a friendly country for us, and will say a few words about it. I will be very grateful to you,” he said.

“With much regret we need to mention the fact that your diplomatic mission in Belarus is coming to an end. I always tell the ambassadors who have made a big contribution to the development of Belarus’ relations with the countries they represent that they will not regret the time spent in Belarus. You have learned a lot about our country,” the Belarusian leader remarked. “You are not an alien person for us. Since Soviet times, we have traditionally respected Cuban people and the state. And we will respect them in the future. You have done a lot for the development of these relations and for the strengthening of their foundation.”

The Cuban ambassador, in turn, thanked the Belarusian president for the consistent and friendly position towards Cuba. “Thank you for your friendship with Fidel Castro and Raul Castro,” he said. Gerardo Suarez Alvarez stressed that the Cuban leaders have also been connected by the ties of friendship with Alexander Lukashenko and the people of Belarus.

“We will never forget your sincere condolences over the passing of Fidel Castro and the fact that there was a special representative of Belarus at the funeral,” the diplomat said.

Speaking about the bilateral relations, the ambassador remarked that the official visit of the Belarusian president to the Republic of Cuba in 2012 gave a serious impetus to their development.