Belarus and Syria can significantly advance in the political and trade-economic spheres - A. Lukashenko

July 26, Minsk /Tatsiana Polozhay - BELTA/. Belarus and Syria can significantly advance in the political and trade-economic spheres. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko today at a meeting with President of Syria Bashar al-Assad, a BELTA correspondent reports. "Lately, we have made significant progress in the political and trade-economic spheres in our relations. But this is almost nothing compared to what we can do today," said the head of the Belarusian state. He drew attention to the similarity of views of Belarus and Syria on the world order and believes that the countries can do a lot today. "I want you to get acquainted with our country as a result of this visit, to see its capabilities. We are ready to do everything you want in Syria," the head of the Belarusian state emphasized, addressing his counterpart. He confirmed Belarus's interest in expanding cooperation with Syria in many areas. "We would like to know Syria's capabilities thoroughly, and if Syria is interested in cooperating with Belarus in some areas, you can be sure that we will also do everything," Alexander Lukashenko noted. "You are our friends. We know how to build relationships with friends and are ready to do everything you wish," he stressed. The Belarusian leader noted that he recalls with great satisfaction his visits to Syria and meetings with the previous President of this country, Hafez al-Assad: "My first friend in the Muslim world and in the East was Hafez al-Assad. I still remember the time spent with him. He told me a lot about what was happening in that world, the relationship between the USSR and the countries of the East. I recall this with special warmth, because for me, a young politician, I was given a real political lesson. As a result, I looked at many things with different eyes." Alexander Lukashenko stated with satisfaction the established friendly relations between the two countries. "When visiting Syria, I had the kindest impressions of your state. I am not saying this because it is necessary to say it according to protocol. I truly love your country, although it is very different from my Belarus. It seemed to me that a very kind and freedom-loving people live there," said the President of Belarus.