Opinions & Interviews

TBILISI, 22 March (BelTA) – Belarus will always be open for cooperation with Georgia, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko noted following the negotiations with his Georgian counterpart Giorgi Margvelashvili in Tbilisi on 22 March, BelTA has learned.

“I want to highlight that there are no taboo topics between Belarus and Georgia. Our dialogue at all levels is sincere and respectful. We are responsible people. If we agree on something, we will do it no matter what. If we can do something for you, tell us and we will get involved. We will help implemented the much-needed projects here, in Georgia,” the Belarusian leader underlined.

“You should remember that the 2,000 kilometers between Minsk and Tbilisi are nothing. We remember that you are our brother. It may be said that we have had one home. You should remember that you have a solid base in the center of Europe where you can not only talk with us but also trade. We are ready for this cooperation. I think you believe me because we have never let you down. Belarus will always be open for cooperation with Georgia. I will support any joint project aimed at further strengthening of our relations,” he added.

As a person and the head of state, Alexander Lukashenko wants Georgia to lead a good peaceful life. “The people of Georgia deserve respect and a peaceful life on this planet. This is an ancient nation that has given a lot of good things to the civilization. We appreciate this,” the president remarked.

The head of state noted that since his previous visit in 2015, the countries have made great advances in cooperation. He also stressed the sincere atmosphere of the current meetings in Tbilisi, during which the parties considered a wide range of issues. But the focus was traditionally on trade and economic cooperation. “Last year, the trade between our countries reached around $112 million. Of course, the figure is relatively small. But if you consider the fact that once it was zero, then the current level would look good. I am sure that soon we will hit the coveted $200 million milestone. All conditions are in place for that,” the Belarusian leader said.

The head of state noted that Belarus and Georgia have already started cooperating in industry. Belarus can offer a wide range of sophisticated technical products: from passenger buses and electro-buses to special fire equipment.

The other day the first joint venture to assemble Belarusian elevators and other lifting mechanisms came on stream in Tbilisi. Projects to assemble tractors, to promote cooperation in the field of pharmaceutics, light and food industries are in the pipeline. Belarus is also ready to assist Georgia in the development of agriculture and strengthening of food security. Alexander Lukashenko urged to promote jointly-made products to the markets of third countries.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, Belarusian-Georgian friendly relations are not limited to economic cooperation. He suggested sharing best practices in disaster prevention and response, training of relevant personnel. The two countries also cooperate in healthcare. This year Georgia is launching liver transplant program with the participation of Belarusian specialists.

Active cultural contacts contribute to better understanding between the peoples of the two countries, Alexander Lukashenko added.