The working schedule of the President of Belarus is always very eventful. Alexander Lukashenko holds meetings and working sessions on the most pressing issues of the country's development, regularly visits regions, makes foreign visits, and receives foreign guests himself, communicates with journalists, signs decrees and laws. And even when there are no public events, it does not mean that the head of state is not working. However, even during his leisure time, whether it's a hockey practice or chopping wood, Alexander Lukashenko always finds a reason for another assignment. As he likes to say, one must always follow life's lead.

The "President's Week" project is for those who want to keep pace with the head of state, stay informed about the most relevant statements and decisions of the Belarusian leader.

Last week concluded the May holidays, but despite the extended weekend, the President's schedule proved to be very busy and productive. Alexander Lukashenko paid a state visit to Azerbaijan, where the parties reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. Representative delegations from both countries also joined this effort.

In Azerbaijan, the Head of State not only held talks with his counterpart Ilham Aliyev but also visited the Karabakh region with him. And before his visit, the President managed to resolve several other important personnel issues. All the details are in the new issue of BELTA's special project "President's Week".

NEW APPOINTMENTS IN THE ARMED FORCES. Who has taken up vacant command positions
On May 15, Alexander Lukashenko signed two personnel decrees. Colonel Mikhail Matrosov has become the new Deputy Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence Forces.

Major General Dmitry Mikholap, who previously held this position, has been appointed Head of the General Staff Faculty of the Armed Forces – Deputy Head of the Belarusian Military Academy.

AHEAD OF THE TALKS. How Lukashenko's visit to Azerbaijan was prepared

In the evening of May 15, the President embarked on a state visit to Azerbaijan, preceded by the arrival of a representative Belarusian delegation in Baku. Before the talks between the two leaders, ministers, heads of state bodies, and enterprise directors held meetings with their Azerbaijani counterparts to align their efforts and outline future prospects.

The Future Lies in Cooperation Projects
For instance, during a meeting with the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov, the Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus, Igor Petrishenko, noted that the countries possess the resources to elevate economic partnership to a new level. He expressed confidence that the future lies in joint cooperation projects. "Speaking of existing developments, these primarily include expanding the range of jointly produced machinery at the Ganja Automobile Plant, as well as organising joint production of veterinary drugs and pharmaceutical products," stated Igor Petrishenko.

A working meeting at the level of heads of transport agencies also took place in Baku. The Minister of Transport and Communications of Belarus, Aleksei Lyanovich, noted that all necessary conditions have been created for the development of railway, air, and road freight and passenger transport between the countries. He proposed that Azerbaijani colleagues establish cooperation in the field of designing road and railways.

Belarus and Azerbaijan have also agreed on the equivalence of food security systems for meat and dairy products. This was announced to journalists by the Minister of Agriculture and Food of Belarus, Sergei Bartosh.

Thanks to this, he noted, Belarusian enterprises will be able to increase food supplies to the Azerbaijani market. "This will increase reciprocal product supplies and trade turnover," the minister added.

New impetus for strengthening relations

Another significant event took place in the capital of Azerbaijan these days – the largest agricultural forum in the Caucasus. Belarus also opened its national pavilion at the Caspian Agro and Interfood international exhibitions.

This time, Caspian Agro and Interfood Azerbaijan brought together about 500 companies from 38 countries. Belarus has been presenting its products here for the fifth consecutive year. Over 40 Belarusian companies came to Baku. They represent meat, dairy, confectionery, fish, alcoholic beverages, and other types of food products, as well as fertilizers, plant protection chemicals, and veterinary drugs.

According to the Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mikhail Miatlikov, Belarus's pavilion is the largest among other national stands this year. "It occupies almost 300 square meters," he said.

During the exhibition, Belarusian enterprises signed two dozen contracts, memorandums, and agreements with Azerbaijani partners. According to the agreements, Belarus will supply products worth $43 million to Azerbaijan and will also import raw materials and other goods worth $11 million.

In general, in 2023, the trade turnover between the countries exceeded $400 million, with Belarusian exports amounting to $370 million, an increase of 77% compared to the 2022 level.

"We exchange goods in the woodworking industry (we sell the entire product range in Azerbaijan: from sawn timber to wallpaper and toilet paper), cooperate in mechanical engineering, and jointly work in the oil refining industry (mutual trade in oil refining products). This includes pharmaceuticals and food products. We can also talk about tourism, sports, and other humanitarian areas. In other words, we have the full spectrum of relations," emphasized the Ambassador of Belarus to Azerbaijan, Andrei Ravkov.

Ravkov: The effectiveness of cooperation between Belarus and Azerbaijan is truly impressive


The Ambassador is convinced that the state visit of the President of Belarus to Azerbaijan and the negotiations between the two leaders will provide a good impetus for strengthening bilateral relations in all areas.

WITH A FOCUS ON THE LONG TERM. What Lukashenko and Aliyev agreed on in Baku

By the end of the day on May 15, the Belarusian board number one landed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The state flags of Belarus and Azerbaijan were raised on flagpoles in front of the "Sharaf" government terminal, and along the turquoise carpet, servicemen of the honor guard company lined up in anticipation of the head of state.
Conversation until midnight
At the foot of the ramp, Alexander Lukashenko was met by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yagub Eyyubov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Elnur Mammadov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Belarus Mahirram Aliyev, as well as members of the Belarusian delegation - Vice-Premier Igor Petrishenko, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Aleinik, and the head of the Belarusian diplomatic mission Andrei Ravkov.
"You live in paradise!" - the head of state remarked first thing. The conversation, of course, was about the weather.

After exchanging a few words with the welcoming party, Alexander Lukashenko headed for the motorcade. The clock had long shown ten in the evening, the delegation had settled into their cars, but the President's working day was not yet over. The head of state got into the car with the ambassador - a traditional conversation before a big day of negotiations.
The substantive communication continued upon arrival. "The President's working day has just ended. 23:32 in Baku," reported the Telegram channel "Pool of the First".

Two reliable friends and an offer you can't refuse
Official negotiations between Alexander Lukashenko and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev took place on May 16. The meeting of the heads of state took place at the "Zagulba" presidential palace on the Caspian Sea coast. First, in a one-on-one format, and then in an expanded session, the parties discussed the entire complex of bilateral relations.
According to protocol, the negotiations were preceded by ceremonial events with the participation of the honor guard company and the performance of national anthems. Members of the delegations also participated in the ceremony. After all courtesies were observed, the presidents retired for negotiations, saying not a word to the cameras. But a little later, during the expanded negotiations, Alexander Lukashenko and Ilham Aliyev lifted the veil of secrecy about what was discussed behind closed doors. However, even this time, the presidents were very brief in front of the cameras.

"We have no closed topics, everything is open for us. If someone were to hear the issues we discuss, they would think: what kind of relationship do we have? The kindest, the closest. We communicate like brothers, we understand the world and its direction in the same way," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

Lukashenko on Belarus-Azerbaijan relations: We have no closed topics, we understand the world and its direction in the same way

The President emphasized that the most important thing for Azerbaijan now is the post-war restoration of territories: "The difficult time has come when these lands need to be revived, people need to be returned (and some of them have already been born in the city - it will probably be a problem)."

This work will indeed require a lot of time and great effort. Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko stated, is ready to provide its support. "Machinery, agro-towns, jobs, certain technologies (your specialists, ministers know these technologies well) - if they are suitable, if our machinery can be present and operate here… During one-on-one negotiations, I asked Ilham Geydarovich: if there is a place for Belarus, please give it to us. And Ilham Geydarovich supported this approach," said the Belarusian leader.

Lukashenko offered Azerbaijan assistance in the post-war restoration of territories

Ilham Aliyev, in turn, said that during the one-on-one meeting, the two leaders had a thorough discussion on many issues of the bilateral agenda, as well as on regional and international issues. The strategic nature of the relations between the two countries was confirmed.

"We cherish the trusting, creative partnership between our countries, which is based on mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation," emphasized the President of Azerbaijan. "Our relations have stood the test of time. I think no one doubts that Belarus and Azerbaijan are two reliable friends."

Aliyev: We cherish the trusting partnership between Azerbaijan and Belarus

Speaking about the prospects for further interaction between Belarus and Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev emphasized that he sees huge potential for the development of cooperation, including for increasing trade turnover, for the continuation and expansion of industrial cooperation. He noted that Azerbaijan would be pleased if Belarusian companies and enterprises participated in the post-war restoration of territories.

Agreements Sealed by Signature and New Twin Cities
On the eve of Alexander Lukashenko's visit, the state bodies of both countries carried out extensive work to update the treaty and legal framework. The developed draft international treaties were signed after the negotiations between the two leaders – this is also an obligatory attribute of an official meeting.

Package of International Documents Signed Following Lukashenko and Aliyev's Negotiations in Azerbaijan

 

Among the signed agreements is an intergovernmental protocol on the mutual application of electronic systems for certifying the origin of goods. It is aimed at simplifying trade, increasing efficiency, and reducing the time for customs control. The heads of customs authorities put their signatures under the document.

Two more signed protocols introduce amendments and additions to intergovernmental agreements on cooperation in veterinary science and in the field of plant quarantine and protection.

A plan of measures for the development of cooperation in the field of tourism for 2024-2025 has been signed, and the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade of Belarus has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan in the areas of competition policy, public procurement, consumer protection, and advertising.

Another Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the National Agency of Investments and Privatisation of Belarus and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan. This document creates a legal basis for the exchange of experience and improvement of the business climate in order to enhance the investment attractiveness of both countries.
Minsk, Gomel, and Grodno are establishing twin-city ties with the Azerbaijani cities of Baku, Ganja, and Gabala, respectively. Memoranda between the parties were also signed following the presidents' negotiations.

Where will Belarus lend a hand to Azerbaijan?
The concluding part of the official negotiations was a statement for the media. Interestingly, neither Alexander Lukashenko nor Ilham Aliyev resorted to pre-prepared notes when summarising the meeting.

"I have invited Belarusian companies to actively participate in the restoration of the Karabakh and East Zangezur zone. The scale of the work we are carrying out and will carry out is grandiose," emphasised the President of Azerbaijan.

 

"The scale is grandiose". Aliyev invited Belarus to participate in the post-war restoration of territories

 

According to him, a significant territory now has to be restored virtually from scratch. There is a need for both infrastructure development and the construction of housing, public buildings, and so on. "Therefore, we invite Belarusian companies to actively join this work," said Ilham Aliyev. "Belarus has very good urban planning experience, modern technologies, and experience in building agro-towns."
Alexander Lukashenko, in turn, noted that Azerbaijan has achieved a great deal in recent years, and above all, it has resolved its main problem by reclaiming lands that had long been turning into a desert. "This is a difficult story. But the lands have been returned, and they need to be revived. This will probably be a much longer and no less difficult task that Azerbaijan will have to solve," the Belarusian leader emphasized.

The Head of State drew attention to the fact that it is not enough to simply return people to these lands. It is necessary to create jobs here and ensure a decent life for citizens, which will take many years.

"The fact that you have returned the lands and are reviving them will remain for centuries, for many ages. If you find a place for us in this great cause of reviving these lands where we can lend our shoulder, and it will be beneficial for you, we will do it with great pleasure. Moreover, we will do it in a way that no one else in the world can do – out of respect and due to our relations between the fraternal peoples of Belarus and Azerbaijan," the President stated.

 

"No one else in the world will do it like this." Lukashenko spoke about where Belarus can lend a hand to Azerbaijan


A very serious step - on the ambitious plans of Belarus and Azerbaijan
Alexander Lukashenko recalled that Belarus and Azerbaijan are implementing a roadmap for the development of bilateral cooperation. Soon, a meeting of the intergovernmental commission will be held in Minsk, and in light of new agreements, the parties have decided to update this document.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, some things have become outdated, and there are projects that need not just to be worked out, but to be implemented. One of them is the joint production of complex fertilizers.

 

Lukashenko and Aliyev Discussed Expansion of Industrial Cooperation. What Reserves Remain Untapped

 

"We have agreed on the joint production of complex mineral fertilizers. Why delay? We need to produce complex mixed fertilizers and start with the domestic market, so that Azerbaijan does not have to request any fertilizers from elsewhere, but produces them here. We have the technologies, we are ready to do this and supply the entire region, and it is colossal: Iran, Pakistan, India – they consume a huge amount of mineral fertilizers. We will offer complex ones. We need to make progress by November. Such tasks were set," said Alexander Lukashenko.

 

Belarus and Azerbaijan have agreed on the joint production of complex fertilizers

 

"We discussed all issues, there were no closed topics. This is not only MTZ equipment – joint production, but also joint production of MAZ equipment, fire-fighting equipment. Production of elevator equipment (old elevators in Soviet-era buildings need to be replaced) – we have preserved this production and are ready to produce this equipment here with our Azerbaijani friends," the President stated.

Azerbaijan is also interested in the production of railway rolling stock – both platforms and tank cars. Belarus is ready to share its experience in this area as well.
No less important is cooperation in agriculture. This includes the supply of elite breeds of cattle from Belarus, the construction of agro-towns and infrastructure, the creation of dairy complexes, and the development of farms. This is particularly relevant for territories that need revival, the head of state noted.

 

A traditional area of interaction between Belarus and Azerbaijan is the supply of timber. Moreover, the Belarusian side is now ready to go even further and build wooden houses on the revived lands of Azerbaijan.

"Regarding pharmaceuticals, we are ready to start supplying the medicines you need as early as tomorrow and to establish joint production facilities here for medicines and veterinary drugs that we know how to manufacture in Belarus," said Aleksandr Lukashenko. "This is also a very large program. And a program that does not hinder anyone in Azerbaijan from working. We do not enter into conflict with anyone here and do not create competition for anyone. Although competition should exist."

 

Belarus proposes to Azerbaijan to create joint pharmaceutical production facilities


According to the Head of State, Belarus and Azerbaijan have much more to do in the humanitarian sphere, including in sports (regarding preparations for major events), healthcare, and education. "We are ready to revive and create vocational education facilities on a new basis. We have the experience. Today, skilled trades are in high demand. Ilham Heydar oglu asked us to undertake this work. We will carry out this work together with your specialists," said Alexander Lukashenko.

It is expected that the implementation of the roadmap by the heads of state will be reviewed in November (at this time, the UN international conference on climate change will be held in Baku, and the President of Belarus plans to participate in it).

Furthermore, according to Ilham Aliyev, during the negotiations, discussions covered the development of relations in the military-industrial complex, agriculture, and transport – all issues that will have practical significance for the development of the economies of the two countries.
As we have already mentioned, the trade turnover between Belarus and Azerbaijan in 2023 exceeded $400 million. However, the parties believe that they are capable, albeit not immediately, of reaching $1 billion.

"This will be a very big step. Perhaps we will achieve it in two stages. First, we will reach a trade turnover of $500 million within a year and a half, and after a certain period, we will reach one billion. We will do everything for this. If, for example, we buy a certain product from unfriendly countries that is produced here, in Azerbaijan, we must abandon it without hesitation (at the current moment) and buy it here. Azerbaijan will reciprocate in the same way," said Alexander Lukashenko.

On the Belarusian position regarding Ukraine and a strong leader in the Caucasus
One of the topics of the presidents' negotiations was security in the CIS space. The heads of state exchanged views on current global political issues. "The situation in the world is changing quite rapidly and, as a rule, for the worse. New conflicts and new hotbeds of instability are emerging. Unfortunately, existing conflicts are generally not being resolved," said Ilham Aliyev in this regard.

"I have been informed about what is happening in our region in connection with the conflict in Ukraine. In great detail. Our assessments and viewpoints are either close or coincide. You know our position. It is not easy for us there now. But we will do everything to ensure peace there. And we will move in this direction. Azerbaijan's post-war experience, its peaceful arrangement, is very important for our region as well," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized in turn.

 

Lukashenko: We will do everything to ensure peace in Ukraine


The President noted that the situation in the Caucasus region is currently unstable. "Thank God that a very powerful, normal leader has emerged here in the person of Azerbaijan. You are capable of controlling the Caucasus region. This is no longer just responsibility for Azerbaijan - you are now generally responsible for the situation in the Caucasus, which we – those peoples who do not live in the Caucasus – greatly hope for. This is an additional burden on you, although you have enough of your own problems. Nevertheless, you have no choice: time has chosen you, as we say, and you bear responsibility for the Caucasus region as a leader," the Belarusian leader stated.

A Sweet Gift for the President
After the negotiations, Alexander Lukashenko and Ilham Aliyev visited the Caspian Agro international agricultural exhibition in Baku. The heads of state familiarized themselves with the expositions of Belarus and Azerbaijan, studying the potential of enterprises and promising areas of cooperation in the agro-industrial complex.
"Every year, when I visit here, I take a special interest in the Belarusians," noted Ilham Aliyev.

There were also gifts. The President of Azerbaijan was presented with a chocolate book as a souvenir, and his wife was asked to be given a chocolate bouquet.

"The President will take it immediately, otherwise..." Alexander Lukashenko began.

"They'll eat it!" Ilham Aliyev continued.
In the open area of the exhibition center, the presidents were shown Belarusian equipment, as well as tractors of joint production.

"Is this equipment in demand here or is it promising?" Alexander Lukashenko clarified.
"All the equipment is in demand here. We don't work for stock. We must honestly say: a year or two ago, we had quality problems, and we dropped to 62% (the share of Belarusian tractors in the Azerbaijani market. - Ed. BELTA). But we have risen to 82% of the entire market: today the quality is good," the presidents were informed.
As part of the visit, Alexander Lukashenko also laid wreaths at the grave of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the Alley of Honor in Baku and at the "Eternal Flame" monument in the Alley of Martyrs ("fallen heroes").

In the evening, the heads of state and both delegations met at the "Gulistan" palace, which offers a charming view of the city and Baku's Seaside Boulevard. A state reception was held here in honor of the President of Belarus on behalf of the Azerbaijani leader.

A NEW LIFE WILL BEGIN HERE. Details of Lukashenko and Aliyev's trip to Karabakh

    As part of a state visit to Azerbaijan, Alexander Lukashenko and Ilham Aliyev visited the revitalised territories of Karabakh.

     

    Lukashenko and Aliyev Visit Revitalised Territories of Azerbaijan


    How Aliyev Served as Driver and Guide for Lukashenko
    In the morning of May 17, the head of the Belarusian state arrived in Fuzuli. He was met at the airport by the President of Azerbaijan at the foot of the aircraft stairs. Ilham Aliyev briefly informed his Belarusian counterpart about the restoration and development work being carried out in these territories, and the construction of new infrastructure facilities. Alexander Lukashenko familiarised himself with the new airport, and the heads of state, accompanied by an impressive motorcade, proceeded to the city.
    Fuzuli International Airport is one of the country's seven international airports (soon there will be more). This air hub connects the capital of Azerbaijan with Karabakh. Construction of the airport began in January 2021, and the first aircraft landed here in September. The airport's opening ceremony took place a month later with the participation of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey.

    Fuzuli itself was returned to Azerbaijan's control on October 17, 2020. The city has significant transport and logistics potential, as it is located at the intersection of the main transport arteries of the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions of Azerbaijan. According to the master plan, by 2040, the population of Fuzuli is projected to increase to 50,000 people (for comparison, in the late 1980s, about 17,000 citizens lived here, and now only a couple of thousand).

    During the trip, Alexander Lukashenko and Ilham Aliyev inspected the city's territories, destroyed facilities, and prospective development areas. The presidents travelled along the route in one car, with the Azerbaijani leader at the wheel. En route, he spoke about the region's history, the events that had taken place there, and the revival of settlements.
    In Fuzuli, Alexander Lukashenko familiarised himself with expositions reflecting the dynamics of the restoration of destroyed facilities, after which both leaders proceeded to Shusha.

    Presidential Gift for Shusha and an Unexpected Meeting

     

    During the Soviet era, this city was part of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast of the Azerbaijan SSR, and after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was controlled by the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. In November 2020, Azerbaijan regained control of the city, which was enshrined in a trilateral statement by Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia. Restoration work is currently underway in Shusha, and housing is being built for the return of Azerbaijani refugees.

    "Misfortune helped where happiness could not. A completely new life will begin. Of course, the misfortune came at a great cost," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

    The heads of state visited a residential area of the city, familiarizing themselves with the living conditions, memorable places, and a museum and exhibition dedicated to the activities of Heydar Aliyev. Alexander Lukashenko and Ilham Aliyev also inspected the tractor equipment gifted to the city by the President of Belarus.

    "Use it. If you like it, we'll add more," said the head of state.

    Of course, many things in the city are reminiscent of the tragic past: some houses cannot be restored, and memorial sites and churches have been destroyed.

    "The ruins are speaking… - noted Alexander Lukashenko. - But where buildings can be restored, they must be restored".

    By the way, Shusha has been famous since ancient times for its rich cultural life, literature, music, and architecture. Various literary and musical societies operated in the city. In 2021, the international folklore festival "Khari-Bulbul" was revived in Shusha, and in 2024, the city became the cultural capital of the Islamic world. In this regard, part of the program was dedicated to familiarizing with the historical and cultural traditions of Shusha.
    In the city, the presidents met the famous Soviet and Azerbaijani singer, and now the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Russia, Polad Bulbuloglu, which greatly surprised Alexander Lukashenko.

    "Polad, you are here? Because I see: everyone is in Moscow and Moscow," said the President.

    "This is a surprise for you!" - stated Ilham Aliyev.

    "A magnificent place. That's why you still sing beautifully. What air there is here! Recently, I watched a show - he's singing!" - admired Alexander Lukashenko.
    In Shusha, the house where the father of Polad Bulbuloglu, the Soviet and Azerbaijani opera singer, the founder of the national musical theatre Murtuza Meshadi Rza oglu Mammadov, nicknamed Bul-Bul (meaning "nightingale" in Azerbaijani), lived has been restored.

    Now, this place houses a museum dedicated to the famous performer. Nearby, one can see a bust of Bul-Bul. It was installed back in Soviet times, and later was shot and dismantled. Until 2021, the bust was kept in the courtyard of the Azerbaijan National Art Museum, and then it was returned to Shusha.

    "Those who shoot at icons and monuments are barbarians," stated the Belarusian leader.

    What contribution Belarus intends to make to the restoration of Karabakh
    As stated by the Minister of Architecture and Construction, Ruslan Parhamovich, Belarus plans to build a settlement for 420 families in Karabakh.

    Belarus and Azerbaijan have been cooperating in the construction sector for several years. However, until now, the main focus has been on the development of urban planning and design documentation, as well as the exchange of regulatory frameworks and technologies.
    "Now we have agreed on a new serious step. We have planned a specific settlement, something akin to an agro-town. We will work together with our colleagues from the Ministry of Agriculture, because it is very important here not only to provide people with comfortable housing but also to ensure decent workplaces for them," said Ruslan Parhamovich.

    The facility is planned to be erected in the Agdam district in the central part of Azerbaijan. The settlement will be designed for 420 families. Belarusian character will be incorporated into its architecture.

    Belarus to build a settlement for 420 families in Karabakh

    "We plan to undertake the construction of both housing and infrastructure: transport, engineering, and social facilities. These will be pilot projects. Within the next few months, we will develop and present a concept to our colleagues for their approval, and then we will actively move forward. If everything goes well, we will extend our work to several other facilities in the near future," the minister noted.

    A NEW CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF RELATIONS. Results of Lukashenko's visit to Azerbaijan

    After visiting Karabakh, Alexander Lukashenko headed to Minsk. However, at the airport before his departure, the head of state managed to have another conversation with the ambassador and the ministers accompanying him – from both the Belarusian and Azerbaijani sides. After all, everything agreed upon by both leaders needs to be implemented.

    A worthy past and a very dynamic present

    "The recent visit of the Head of State to Azerbaijan has marked a new and very important chapter in the history of bilateral relations – relations that have a very respectable past and a very dynamic present," emphasized the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Sergei Aleinik, summarizing the results of the visit of Alexander Lukashenko to Azerbaijan.

    "Focused on serious joint work". Aleinik sums up the results of the visit of the President of Belarus to Azerbaijan

    According to him, this is also confirmed by the dynamics of contacts with the Azerbaijani side, both at the level of the leadership of both states, governments, and at the level of sectoral ministries and departments, public organizations, and in the humanitarian dimension. "There is practically no sphere where we do not interact, cooperate, or develop our relations," said Sergei Aleinik. "This dynamic allows us to look to the future with optimism."

    The Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that during the visit, Alexander Lukashenko and Ilham Aliyev spent a total of about 14 hours together and discussed the entire range of issues on both the bilateral and global, regional agendas.

    Sergei Aleinik pointed out that important bilateral events aimed at implementing the agreements reached by the leaders of Belarus and Azerbaijan will take place in the near future. The next meeting of the intergovernmental commission is scheduled for early June in Minsk, where all the projects discussed during the visit will be substantively discussed.

    Aleinik believes that Belarus and Azerbaijan may hold a forum of regions in the future"The task is to specify the roadmap of our bilateral cooperation, which was signed, for 2024-2025, by filling it with additional specific projects that were discussed at the level of heads of state. This work will be done in the very near future," the minister informed.

    In addition, a visit of the Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan to Minsk is expected in June, and a visit of the Prime Minister of this country to Belarus is on the agenda.

    "We are focused on serious joint work," the head of the foreign policy department summarized.

    WHAT WAS LEFT OUT OF THE FRAME. What messages the President sent to Kazakhstan and Norway

    On Friday, May 17, Alexander Lukashenko congratulated the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on his birthday. The Head of State expressed confidence that the traditionally open and friendly communication with the Kazakh leader will be filled with new constructive content, contributing to the further progressive development of bilateral relations in the spirit of strategic partnership for the benefit of Belarus and Kazakhstan.

    Lukashenko congratulated the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on his birthday


    On the same day, the President of Belarus congratulated the people of Norway on their national holiday - Constitution Day. Alexander Lukashenko noted that both countries have been effectively developing humanitarian and trade-economic interaction for a long time, including in the fields of mechanical engineering, food industry, science, and sports.

    "We are united by concern for our citizens, a desire for peace and creation, coexistence in harmony with neighbors," the President noted. - I am convinced that the resumption of bilateral dialogue based on such a foundation meets the interests of the populations of both states, primarily the interest in strengthening stability in the region. Our doors will always be open to our Norwegian friends."

    Lukashenko Emphasized Belarus's Openness to Resuming Dialogue with Norway
    On May 18, the Belarusian leader sent congratulations to the President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

    The strong friendship between the peoples of Belarus and Ethiopia can be considered the main achievement in bilateral relations over this period, the Belarusian leader noted. "For all three decades, Minsk and Addis Ababa have adhered to traditions of goodwill and trust," the congratulatory message reads. "Both countries are consistent supporters of strengthening the principles of multilateralism in world affairs, collectively seeking answers to global challenges and threats based on international law, and respectful attitude towards the identity of peoples and their right to determine their own future. This has made it possible to lay a solid foundation for the progressive development of Belarusian-Ethiopian cooperation."

    Lukashenko Proposed Raising Cooperation with Ethiopia to a Qualitatively New Level

    The Head of State emphasized that Ethiopia is currently a very significant and reliable partner for Belarus in the African region. "I believe that the time has come to raise bilateral interaction to a qualitatively new level, to fill it with substantial practical content in order to achieve tangible results in the economic and humanitarian spheres," the President noted.

    belta.by