Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that Belarus has always been interested in cooperation with Abkhazia, which was among the topics discussed during the Belarusian leader's conversation with Aslan Bzhaniya on Abkhazian soil in September 2022. "One thought has been on my mind: why does the Georgian leadership react so sharply to our meetings? Can't there be normal, warm, friendly relations between people, between nations? Perhaps these relations, as I said then, will serve peace and friendship between the Abkhaz and Georgian peoples. After all, we have never planned any actions against Tbilisi," said the President of Belarus.
He noted that he is observing the situation developing in Georgia. For example, with former President Mikheil Saakashvili. "Somehow it doesn't look very decent from the perspective that he was a President, after all. Therefore, to reach such a degree as it is now is simply indecent. But why am I saying this: we have not made any assessments, we have not interfered in this situation or others. We have maintained and continue to maintain very good relations, as far as possible, with Tbilisi. Why do they react so sharply... I think you will help me find the answer to this question," said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
Regarding cooperation with Abkhazia, the President stressed that the current meeting is very important on a human level. "Our relations must develop. The Abkhaz people respect Belarusians. There is nothing to say about Belarus. We have a foundation on which to build our relations. There are goods that we are interested in. There are goods that you are interested in. Moreover, the tourism sector is very important. Especially after various sanctions began to be imposed against us. Our people want to visit the sea. I looked at your coast. We always used to go there. Both to Sukhumi and to Batumi, to Tbilisi, and so on. Our people visit these cities now as well. But somehow it happened that Abkhazia turned out to be cut off. Not in demand, but cut off. And the demand is very high," said the President.
"Why shouldn't we visit each other? That's the question I ask myself, I can't understand why relations should be strained on this basis. On the contrary, we should be strengthening our relations. We are not giant states to be dividing countries and peoples. We need to be closer to each other in these difficult times. Both Tbilisi, and Sukhumi, and Minsk. All should somehow stick together, strive towards each other. In this regard, I consider your visit to Belarus and once again thank you for keeping your promise and coming to us," the Belarusian leader added.
In turn, Aslan Bzhaniya thanked the head of the Belarusian state for the invitation and consistency. "You know, many will hear you today, including in Georgia, and I think your wise words will reach the hearts of these people," he said.
Source: belta.by