Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Africa’s time has come, the continent’s states need to gain economic independence

MALABO, 10 December (BelTA) - Africa's time has come, but the countries that have gained political independence have yet to free themselves from economic dependence, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at an official reception held in his honor on behalf of Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, BelTA has learned.

“The world is changing. It will never be the same. There will never be a return to the way it was. The people of the world are realizing this. Most of them have realized that Africa is the future. Africa's time has come. Frankly speaking, it will be very difficult for countries like Equatorial Guinea and Belarus to stand alone in this turbulent world. In order not just to withstand, but to occupy our place in this rapidly changing world, in order not to perish, we must stay close to each other. Only together, walking shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, we will be able to stand ground,” the Belarusian leader said.

In his words, many of the fifty African states have gained political freedom, but a lot was still to be done. “Hard times are ahead. African countries need to gain economic freedom and economic independence. Almost half of the world’s natural resources are accumulated in Africa. This half of the world's natural resources must benefit the people of the African continent. This is the essence of economic freedom, which you must achieve,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

He assured that Belarus would be a reliable friend of Equatorial Guinea and its people along this way.

The Belarusian head of state mentioned his counterpart’s words at the talks both in Minsk and Malabo that Equatorial Guinea had been building and developing infrastructure for decades, but was a bit behind in providing for its people: “I told him [the president of Equatorial Guinea] that he can count on Belarus - we have technologies, knowledge, experience, education that we can share with Equatorial Guinea.”

“We are at your service. We have what you need. You have what we need. Let us together make sure that the people of this beautiful country set an example to other peoples of Africa. Let us make sure that Equatorial Guinea opens the gate for Belarus to other Central African countries,” the Belarusian leader said.

In his words, ministers and specialists of both countries have recently done a lot of work, which reflects the mutual interest in the dynamic development of friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation. The parties signed a road map - a plan of action including seven and a half dozen projects. The terms for their implementation as well as responsible people have been determined. “Let us do everything to implement these projects within three years [the roadmap is designed for 2024-2026]. We have everything to realize our plans. But most importantly, we have the desire and the people who are committed to the future and are ready to make these plans a reality,” the Belarusian head of state added.

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