Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 19 October (BelTA) - Belarus can take a more active part in Cuba’s social and economic development plans, outgoing Ambassador of Cuba Gerardo Suarez Alvarez told the media in Minsk on 19 October, BelTA has learned.

“We would like to see Belarus to take a more active part in Cuba's social and economic development plans in the coming years,” the diplomat said.

Of particular interest for cooperation are the industrial sector and agriculture where Belarus has significant experience

There is interest in the cooperation in the field of biotechnology. “We could promote these technologies to the EAEU markets through Belarus. I think that the potential of cooperation is far from being exhausted. We will continue to work in this direction,” Ambassador Gerardo Suarez Alvarez noted.

The Belarusian-Cuban commission on cooperation in science and technology held the first meeting in Havana in May 2016. The program of the Belarusian-Cuban cooperation in science and innovations for 2016-2018 has been approved.

An agreement on cooperation between the culture ministries of the two countries was signed in Minsk in April 2017.

The Ambassador stressed that the political relations between Belarus and Cuba are actively developing. “We hold similar positions on the political aspects, cooperate within international organizations. We are sincerely grateful for the support that Belarus has always provided us within the framework of international organizations," he said.

The Cuban diplomat also supported the need to strengthen and expand the presence of Belarus in Latin America, including through Cuba.

Gerardo Suarez Alvarez recalled that Belarus has an observer status in the Association of Caribbean States, and the National Assembly of Belarus is a permanent observer in various bodies of the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).

“We are determined to provide support in promoting these initiatives (to develop cooperation of Belarus with the countries of the region – note by BelTA) and to search for the alternatives that would benefit the parties,” the diplomat said.

Speaking about his impressions of working in Belarus, Ambassador Gerardo Suarez Alvarez stressed the hospitality and kindness of the people of Belarus.

“Over the four years of my stay in Belarus I have witnessed the efforts and achievements that you country has made. I congratulate you on this. I am convinced that Belarus has a very beautiful present and a very beautiful future. I do not know yet how my professional life will go but whatever post I hold I will always promote the close ties of friendship and cooperation between Belarus and Cuba. The years of my working in Belarus became an invaluable experience for me both personally and professionally. I learned a lot from you. I always admired the heroic past of your people,” the Ambassador said.

“First of all, I am taking with me the love and warmth of your people. I will also take the paintings of the beautiful landscapes of Belarus, traditional clothes made from flax. My wife bought souvenirs and gifts. All this love and warmth will forever remain in our hearts and our home,” Cuban Ambassador Gerardo Suarez Alvarez said.