Belarus strives to develop balanced and constructive interaction with partners from various regions of the world - A. Lukashenko

June 14, Minsk /BELTA/. The Republic of Belarus strives to develop balanced and constructive interaction with partners from various regions of the world. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated this today at the ceremony of presenting credentials by ambassadors of a number of states, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader. Credentials were presented to the President by the heads of diplomatic missions of Armenia, Georgia, Iraq and Ukraine in Belarus, as well as by ambassadors of Austria, Albania, Bangladesh, Egypt, Morocco, Mongolia, Oman and Portugal, who are concurrently working in the Russian Federation and our country. "We are interested in simplifying access of Belarusian goods to traditional and new markets, attracting modern technologies and investments from abroad, and diversifying supply channels for raw materials and energy resources," said the head of state. Alexander Lukashenko noted that since the Belarusian economy is open and export-oriented, trade and economic issues are a priority for the republic in international relations. The geopolitical position and historical and cultural features of our state imply balanced and constructive interaction with many partners in various regions of the world. Belarus, despite being one of the co-founders of the UN, is still a very young sovereign state. At the same time, it has already established itself as a serious and responsible participant in the international community, actively involved in solving pressing global agenda issues. "Within the UN, we initiated the development of a global plan to combat human trafficking and are dynamically pursuing a policy to ensure equal access for all countries to technologies for producing energy from new and renewable sources," the President said. According to the head of state, Belarus is interested in further strengthening cooperation with long-standing partners in the former Soviet Union region. "Relations with Ukraine have recently acquired a truly strategic character," Alexander Lukashenko stated. Belarusian-Ukrainian cooperation includes an extensive and diverse list of issues and tasks. A number of key agreements have been reached at the level of the heads of the two states, the prompt implementation of which will give an additional impetus to the socio-economic development of both countries. During an informal conversation with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Belarus, Roman Bezsmertny, the President of Belarus asked the diplomat to convey the warmest wishes to the head of Ukraine. "We are continuing the implementation of what we agreed upon earlier," said Alexander Lukashenko. When accepting the credentials of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia to Belarus, Armen Khachatryan, the President noted the close and friendly relations that have developed between Belarus and Armenia. According to him, our republic is open to new initiatives that allow for increasing trade and economic interaction and strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties with this fraternal and friendly state. Belarusians have also always treated the working people of Georgia, its ancient history and rich traditions with respect. "Mutual interest and a natural desire to use the opportunities available to us will become powerful incentives for expanding bilateral cooperation not only in the economic sphere but also in education, culture, sports, tourism, and other areas," added Alexander Lukashenko. He also thanked Georgia, represented by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of this country to Belarus, George Chkheidze, for their support at the Eurovision 2010 song contest (Georgia awarded the Belarusian contestants the highest score – 12 points). Belarus, being an integral part of Europe, also strives to build stable and constructive relations with European states and the EU as a whole. In particular, the head of state noted the positive dynamics of the Belarusian-Austrian dialogue. "We highly appreciate Austria's role in developing investment cooperation with Belarus. I think it's time for us to start implementing larger-scale joint economic projects," the President said, accepting the credentials of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria to Russia and Belarus (concurrently), Margot Klestil-Löffler. "We consider Portugal an important and promising partner in the European Union, with which interaction has great untapped potential," said the head of state, accepting the credentials of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Portuguese Republic to Russia and Belarus (concurrently), Pedro Nuno de Abreu e Melo Bartolomeu. In the President's opinion, the two countries need to establish a full-fledged political dialogue and intensify interaction in areas of mutual interest in the near future. Alexander Lukashenko, when accepting the credentials of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Russia and Belarus (concurrently), Sokol Gjoka, noted: "Belarus is very interested in establishing closer contacts with the Republic of Albania in the trade and economic sphere, in science, culture, and tourism." In addition, Belarus attaches particular importance to partnership relations with countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The head of the Belarusian state, when accepting the credentials of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sultanate of Oman to Russia and Belarus (concurrently), Mohammed Awad Al-Hassan, emphasized: "We are very pleased with the friendly ties established with Oman. Constructive and open dialogue at the highest level allows us to implement the boldest large-scale joint projects." The Belarusian leader noted the need to give greater dynamism to contacts with Mongolia, whose people have long known Belarus, its products, and technological capabilities since the Soviet era. The Belarusian leader said this when accepting the credentials of the head of the Mongolian diplomatic mission to Russia and Belarus (concurrently), Doloonjingiin Idevkhten. When accepting the credentials of the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Russia and Belarus (concurrently), Saiful Hoque, the head of state emphasized the good level of cooperation between Belarus and the People's Republic of Bangladesh in international organizations, primarily the UN. Alexander Lukashenko expressed hope for deepening and expanding contacts with this country, including in the trade and economic sphere and in education. "Belarus highly values the traditionally friendly relations with Egypt, welcomes the active and constructive work of this country as chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement, and also counts on the further development of close trade and economic relations," said Alexander Lukashenko, accepting the credentials of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Russia and Belarus (concurrently), Mohamed Allaa El-Din Ali Shawky Elhadidi. Belarus has consistently advocated and continues to advocate for the speedy withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq, the preservation of the country's unity and territorial integrity, and is ready to take an active part in the restoration and construction of infrastructure, residential buildings, and industrial facilities in this country. This was stated by the President of Belarus when accepting the credentials of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Iraq to the Republic of Belarus, Haidar Mansour Hadi Awis. "I think it's time to resume and significantly intensify our trade and economic relations," emphasized the head of the Belarusian state. Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that Belarusian equipment and other goods will be in demand in Iraq. The President of Belarus also expressed hope for expanding mutually beneficial ties with Morocco and intensifying the entire spectrum of Belarusian-Moroccan relations. He emphasized this when accepting the credentials of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to Russia and Belarus (concurrently), Abdelkader Lecheheb. Alexander Lukashenko expects that the activity, initiative, and objectivity that diplomats will demonstrate while working in Belarus will lead to tangible practical results and allow them to reach new heights in bilateral cooperation.