President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko proposes to explore avenues for intensifying cooperation with Tajikistan, especially in light of the recent decline in trade turnover. The Head of State made this statement at a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to Belarus, Bakhtovar Safarzoda, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"Let us intensify our relations. I will discuss with Emomali Sharipovich (President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. - BELTA's note) at the earliest opportunity to define the directions for intensifying our relations. And you, as an ambassador, a very active and promising diplomat, I believe, will contribute to the development of our relations," said the Head of State.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that the economy and trade and economic cooperation are the foundation for any interstate relations. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reassures me that last year's decline in trade turnover was insignificant and so on. But I am an economist and I am used to looking at processes in dynamics. Last year, we did not significantly reduce trade turnover, but compared to the previous year. And the previous year saw a considerable decrease in trade turnover. Therefore, overall, we have reduced trade turnover," stated the Head of State.
"We cannot destroy the foundation of our relations. As I said, the basis is trade and economic relations. Therefore, we need to work hard here to, for a start, restore trade turnover to the level it was at. And, of course, we have enough products and goods to increase this trade turnover," the President is confident.
He stressed that a trade turnover level of $70, $80, or even $100 million is almost nothing for Belarus and Tajikistan, considering their existing potential. "We need to look for opportunities to increase trade turnover. To define, as we always do. I am sure Tajikistan will accept such proposals. To define the goods that we can mutually trade and exchange," said Alexander Lukashenko. - "You are well aware of our capabilities. We have everything necessary that Tajikistan needs. Both in industry and agriculture, and in the supply of automotive equipment, especially heavy-duty trucks. You are working extensively on development in the mining industry. We can provide you with significant assistance and support in this area."
He stressed that there are no closed topics in relations with Tajikistan and Belarus is ready to cooperate, including in the military-industrial complex. "You also know our capabilities. Tell us how we can help in ensuring your security. We are ready to get involved, although we have already taken many steps in this direction," the head of state noted.
"In short, there are a lot of challenges and an equal number of tasks that need to be addressed. We are ready for this," Alexander Lukashenko summarized.
He emphasized that both countries are well aware of each other's capabilities, and long-standing friendly and trusting relations have been established between the peoples of Belarus and Tajikistan, as well as the leaders of these states. "Our relations with President Emomali Sharipovich Rahmon are the most advanced, one might say. We have no secrets from each other. Therefore, we are building very good, friendly relations," the President said.
He asked the diplomat to convey the warmest and kindest congratulations to the President of Tajikistan on the occasion of the New Year. "I very much want it to be the most successful for the Tajik people, Tajikistan, and your leader," the head of state wished.
In turn, Bakhtovar Safarzoda conveyed a warm, kind, friendly greeting from the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to the head of the Belarusian state, and also expressed gratitude for the meeting. "We know you as a great friend of the Republic of Tajikistan and a sincere friend of our leader. Your friendship is a matter of pride for us, diplomats, representatives of state authorities, and the fraternal peoples of the two countries," the ambassador emphasized.
Based on the results of 2022, bilateral trade with Tajikistan amounted to over $78 million, with Belarusian exports totaling almost $70 million.
Based on the results of January-November 2023, trade in goods amounted to $67.4 million. Additionally, in January-October of the previous year, the volume of trade in services was $6.4 million.
In Belarus, 9 enterprises with Tajik capital are registered, including 2 joint ventures and 7 foreign enterprises. In Tajikistan, over 20 entities of the supply chain of Belarusian enterprises and one joint venture are operating. Assembly of various machinery, including MTZ and Gomselmash, has been established at the CJSC "Agroservice" (Gissar district), and elevators of OJSC "Mogilevliftmash" are assembled at the site in the city of Khujand.
In October 2022, during the visit of the President of Belarus to Tajikistan, a roadmap for bilateral cooperation for 2022-2026 was signed. The document consists of 39 points. Of these, 6 have been completed, 33 are under implementation, including 21 implemented on a permanent basis.
Source: belta.by