Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko sees great opportunities in Belarus-Zimbabwe cooperation

MINSK, 17 January (BelTA) – Belarus invites Zimbabwe to build a strategy and concrete plan for the development of cooperation in the future, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the negotiations with Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 17 January, BelTA has learned.

The head of state remarked that Belarus is not a gigantic country and cannot build cooperation with all African countries on a comprehensive basis. “Therefore, we are trying to find those with whom we could build strategic partnership,” he said.

“We maintain very efficient cooperation with the countries of Northern Africa, first of all, with our friendly partner Egypt, Algeria, other countries. We have been cooperating with Sudan in Central Africa for many years. We would like to establish very close cooperation with the countries of Southern Africa. We have visited many countries in Africa and we see great opportunities in Belarus-Zimbabwe cooperation,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

The president remarked that the sides know each other’s capabilities very well, but there are certain difficulties in the development of relations. “Only those who do not try to overcome these difficulties will fail. If we set a goal to overcome these difficulties in the relations between our states, we will definitely implement projects which we can see today,” the Belarusian leader is convinced.

He emphasized that Zimbabwe is facing difficult times right now, just like Belarus did more than 20 years ago. The head of state remarked that every country which is trying to carry out reforms, improve and build its own economy and society goes through such complicated stages. “We are concerned about Zimbabwe and would like you to overcome all internal political and economic difficulties as soon as possible. And you must remember that we will do our best for you,” the president of Belarus assured.

Alexander Lukashenko said that he will pay a visit to Zimbabwe with great pleasure. But he deemed it necessary to agree on and implement four or five concrete projects there before that. “Projects for the entire nation of Zimbabwe,” he said.

The president of Belarus welcomed his Zimbabwean counterpart in Minsk. Alexander Lukashenko met with Emmerson Mnangagwa five years ago when he was the first vice president. The head of state congratulated him on his success at the elections and expressed hope that he will fulfill the promises given to the Zimbabwean people.

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