Belarus advocates for the expansion of comprehensive trade and economic cooperation with Cuba - A. Lukashenko

February 22, Minsk / Alina Grishkevich - BELTA /. Belarus advocates for the expansion of comprehensive trade and economic cooperation with Cuba. This was stated by the President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on February 22 at a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader. The head of state emphasized that Belarus "has no problems in relations with Cuba, which is one of our main partners in Central and Latin America." According to the President, there are many joint projects, although their implementation has been somewhat hampered by the global economic crisis. As the head of state believes, the main task at the present stage is to return to the implementation of the developed projects and move forward in this direction. "I think we need to be bolder in implementing projects that are of interest to both sides. For example, in biotechnology, in the production of medicines, which are highly developed in Cuba. Why don't you come here, to the common customs market, create joint ventures with us and benefit from it? We are ready to actively promote projects in this direction, not only in Belarus but also in the region," Alexander Lukashenko said, addressing the Cuban minister. The President announced Belarus's readiness to help friendly Cuba in the technical modernization and re-equipment of enterprises similar to Belarusian ones, and in the creation of joint ventures for the production of tractors and automobiles. Belarus is ready to implement such projects in order to enter the markets of other countries from the territory of Cuba, the Belarusian leader noted. In particular, he called cooperation in the sugar production sector promising. This involves Belarus purchasing Cuban cane raw sugar in large volumes with its subsequent processing into sugar. Alexander Lukashenko is confident that this product will be in demand, and its market is huge. The Belarusian leader recalled that during his visit to Caracas, Hugo Chavez proposed implementing trilateral projects between Belarus, Venezuela, and Cuba. "I think the time has come to return to these projects. Belarus is ready to make a significant contribution to their implementation," the President said. As the head of state believes, there are many areas of cooperation that will be very beneficial for Belarus and Cuba. The President of Belarus emphasized the importance of the visit of the Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs to Minsk and expressed hope that the parties will develop specific directions for further Belarusian-Cuban interaction, primarily in the trade and economic sphere. Alexander Lukashenko conveyed his best wishes to Cuban leaders Raul Castro and Fidel Castro. The head of the Cuban Foreign Ministry emphasized that Belarus is a priority for Cuba in the foreign policy arena. Friendly and fraternal relations between Belarus and Cuba have developed historically. "Now is a very opportune moment to advance our interaction in the political, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural fields," the minister believes. Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla focused on the complex international and economic situation, and also expressed gratitude to the Belarusian side for its support against the economic blockade that Cuba has been experiencing for a long time. The Cuban minister said that the island of freedom is actively discussing the possibility of implementing a new economic development model in the country, adapted to modern conditions. This involves updating the country's economic model based on socialism. Cuba intends to achieve increased economic efficiency while preserving social gains. Cuba is a stable political partner of Belarus in the international arena. The political relations between the two countries are characterized by converging positions on key international issues. Belarus and Cuba provide mutual support to each other in the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, and other international organizations. For example, Cuba condemns the policy of pressure and sanctions pursued by the European Union and the United States towards Belarus. The official visit of the President of Belarus to the Republic of Cuba in 2000 gave a strong impetus to the development of interstate cooperation. A significant outcome of this visit was the signing of the Treaty on Friendly Relations and Cooperation. In 2006, during the 14th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Havana, the head of the Belarusian state held talks with Raul Castro, who was then the acting Chairman of the State Council and Council of Ministers of Cuba. In May 2010, a Belarusian official delegation led by the President's aide for special assignments visited Cuba. Regular consultations at various levels between the foreign ministries on the entire spectrum of issues of mutual interest have become a practice of Belarusian-Cuban interaction.