Belarusian President receives credentials of foreign ambassadors

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has received credentials from ambassadors of nine countries. The ceremony took place in the Palace of Independence on 1 October.

The ambassadors of China, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Algeria, Mauritania, Burundi, Kuwait, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay handed over their credentials to the Belarusian head of state.

"I sincerely congratulate you all on the official launch of your work has heads of diplomatic missions in Belarus. I want to say to you all from the bottom of my heart: welcome to Belarus," Aleksandr Lukashenko said addressing the ambassadors.

The President expressed hope that the diplomats had already had the opportunity to see Minsk and its tourist attractions, talk to people and learn the history of the Belarusian state. "It is multifaceted, it has many heroic pages. And we are rightfully proud of it. We are proud of the glorious deeds of our ancestors and hardworking contemporaries who continue to strengthen our much-loved country and raise a new generation of good people," the Belarusian leader said.

"You will soon see for yourself how hospitable and peace-loving Belarusians are. Despite the mounting threats and challenges, the doors of our home remain open. The visa-free waiver for citizens of 35 European countries, introduced this summer, speaks louder than words," Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

"There are no unfriendly nations and second-class countries for us. I know that Belarusians are also treated with hospitality and warmth all over the world," the head of state said.

He noted with regret, however, that the peaceful, prosperous and sovereign Belarus causes irritation with some Western politicians, which turns into prejudice.

"They consider normal to have their one-sided outdated perception of the world order where there are first and second-class people. If someone disagrees with their point of view, they impose sanctions and various restrictions. Minsk has been facing such injustice for many years, practically the entire sovereign history," the President said. "Nevertheless, we take the courage to pursue an independent policy, both domestic and foreign ones. We always defend our position based on international law and justice."

The President noted that Belarus is often accused groundlessly, for example, of facilitating illegal migration. In this regard, the head of state recalled that Belarus suppresses illegal migration and combats transnational crime in accordance with its international obligations and available opportunities.

"But if any problems related to migration occur, it is not our fault. These problems emerge when some countries invite migrants to come over to them. We take care of people who were forced to flee their countries and seek asylum in the European Union. We do all this without anyone's help, while being under the pressure of illegal sanctions," Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out.

"The next reason for external attacks on Belarus will be, obviously, the upcoming Presidential election campaign (those attacks on Belarus have already started). They have probably launched their work on plans to 'overthrow the regime' and ask for millions of US dollars in grants for these useless purposes. They do this every five years. I would like to immediately disappoint those masterminds: we have never let anyone undermine the stability in the country and plunge it into chaos, and we will never let this happen," the Belarusian leader said.

"There is no need for our people to campaign for Belarus. They know that they are Belarus. Strong, stable and independent. Only the Belarusian people have the right to decide their own fate, whether someone likes it or not," the President said.

The President drew attention to the list of countries whose ambassadors were present at the ceremony. "This hall has an impressive diplomatic geography. These are people who are close in spirit and are united by a common cause - to build and strengthen ties in the interests of the peoples of our countries," Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

People's Republic of China

The President noted that 1 October marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. "I would like to take this opportunity, Mr. Ambassador, to congratulate all Chinese people on your great national holiday. This is our holiday too. It means a lot to us that it is on this day that you are presenting your credentials," said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The head of state emphasized that China has always been and remains the most important, reliable and special trade, economic and political partner for Belarus. "Minsk and Beijing have achieved an unprecedentedly high level of trust-based cooperation," the Belarusian leader stated. He noted that amid global political tension, Belarus and China managed to advance bilateral relations to the level of all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership. Despite the crises in the global economy, the parties achieved a new record in trade last year.

"I would like to give special credit to my dear friend, Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, for the constructive approach to cooperation. I want to convey my best regards to him. We are looking forward to hosting him in Belarus at any time convenient for him," said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

Kazakhstan

The President called Kazakhstan an important, time-tested friend, strategic partner and ally for Belarus. The head of state remarked that the two countries have common interests practically in all areas. According to the President, billion-dollar trade and successful projects in industry suggest that bilateral cooperation is on the up and up.

Aleksandr Lukashenko once again expressed his gratitude to the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the all-round support for Belarus during Kazakhstan's chairmanship in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Serbia

The President noted that Belarus has a long history of friendly relations with Serbia. These relations are rooted in history and spiritual ties between the two fraternal peoples.

The head of state emphasized his interest in intensifying Belarus-Serbia cooperation across the board. Belarus would like to expand contacts, scale up mutually beneficial cooperation in industry, agriculture, healthcare, and high technology.

Algeria

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized Belarus' readiness for active cooperation in the manufacturing industry, food security and high technology with Algeria. "I am confident that our equipment, like combines, tractors, trucks, and our grain storage facilities will be useful for the Algerian economy. I also hope that our fruitful joint work on international platforms will continue," the Belarusian leader said.

Mauritania

The head of state was particularly pleased to welcome the ambassador of Mauritania, the country presiding over the African Union.

"This year, Belarus and Mauritania mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations. I sincerely congratulate you on this significant date. I believe we should step up our contacts," said Aleksandr Lukashenko. "We need to come up with two or three big mutually beneficial projects and begin implementing them," the head of state remarked.

Burundi

The President of Belarus also noted his interest in developing friendly relations with Burundi. Belarus attaches particular importance to the economic component of bilateral relations.

"Considering Burundi's focus on developing agriculture and the mining industry, we can supply a wide range of engineering products, including trucks, quarry trucks and agricultural machines. In addition, Belarus can offer various educational and training programs for students from Burundi," Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested.

Kuwait

Kuwait is an important partner for Belarus in the Middle East, the head of state remarked. "We highly appreciate your country's commitment to a peaceful settlement of conflicts and crises (you are deeply involved in this, as is Belarus), as well as humanitarian efforts in the international arena. This is aligned with our peace initiatives to begin a broad international dialogue on security principles and guarantees," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state voiced Belarus' readiness to make every effort to build trade, economic and investment partnerships in all areas.

Dominican Republic

Belarus views the Dominican Republic as a promising partner in Central America and the Caribbean, the President noted. He called economy the most important and mutually beneficial vector in bilateral relations. "We are open to any forms of cooperation," the head of state assured. He proposed to start with the development of an effective contractual and legal framework.

Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed confidence that the agreement on mutual visa abolition that is in the works now will not only reinvigorate tourism, but will also serve as an important impetus for the intensification of bilateral relations.

Uruguay

"We are very closely monitoring the development of Uruguay. I am confident that the successful conduct of the upcoming Presidential election in October this year will solidify the achievements of your country. Belarus will always support the choice of the Uruguayan people," the President said.

The head of state pointed to Belarus' interest in intensifying cooperation with Uruguay in politics and economy, which could be facilitated by signing an agreement on mutual visa abolition. "We count on the ambassador's active role in building effective and trusting contacts," the Belarusian leader said.

At the end of the ceremony, the President emphasized that Belarus is always glad to see old friends and new partners interested in strengthening and developing relations with our country. "I know for sure: distance is not a problem for true friendship. We are open to new ideas and the most ambitious projects. I am absolutely convinced that your stay on our land will be comfortable, your work will be productive, and our cooperation will be mutually beneficial," said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The head of state wished all diplomats successful work: "We welcome you to Belarus, dear friends!"

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