ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO Alexander Lukashenko Alexander Lukashenko
25 June,
MINSK .
Belarus and Cuba have identified promising growth points in trade and the economy. This was stated by
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on 25 June during talks with President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, BelTA has learned.
During the talks,
it was noted that
the work of the Belarusian-Cuban commission on trade and economic cooperation had entered a rhythmic annual schedule. This indicates a mutual interest in strengthening relations. "Considering the complementarity of the economies of Belarus and Cuba, our specialists have identified a number of promising growth points in the trade and economic sphere. These include areas of strategic importance for Havana: ensuring food security, modernizing industry, developing the construction industry, transport infrastructure, energy and mining, expanding access to high-quality medicines," the
HEAD of state said. The Belarusian side also sees good prospects for increasing the capacity of joint production of agricultural machinery, trailers and attachments. "We are ready to ensure the supply of new equipment, including with the use of leasing instruments. In the interests of Cuban repair enterprises, we can establish
the EXPORT of engines, spare parts, as well as machine tools and equipment. In addition to industrial cooperation, we could supply Belarusian raw materials, share our experience and technologies for the joint production of dairy and
MEAT products," noted Alexander Lukashenko.
According to the President, the scheme for the supply of Belarusian products to Cuba within the framework of export loans from the Development Bank of Belarus has confirmed its relevance and importance. Today, this is dry
MILK and agricultural machinery, but the Belarusian side is interested in consistently expanding this list.
"I am convinced that following today's meeting we will develop effective solutions and will implement them clearly. Minsk and Havana have everything for further progress: political will, mutual understanding, full
support at the level of heads of state. And, perhaps, most importantly - a long path of cooperation," the Belarusian leader said. "I assure you that I have not forgotten about my promise to visit Cuba. I will try to find such an opportunity in the future and come to your sunny, in every sense, warm country. And even very hot."
Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that Belarus is ready to continue an open and honest dialogue, to take joint steps that will help ensure socio-economic stability in the two states and increase the well-being of citizens. "You should know that you have come to see your friends. Even more than friends. And if we can do something for the Cuban people, for Cuba, we will definitely do it," the head of state concluded.
The head of state noted that there are strong friendly ties between the Belarusian and Cuban peoples, which are supported by excellent relations at the level of the leadership of the two countries.
"In the person of my esteemed colleague Miguel Diaz-Canel, we have found a true friend of the Belarusian people. And I am confident that the warm and allied nature of the interstate dialogue will continue for many years, and new generations of Belarusians and Cubans will support it and fill it with relevant content," Alexander Lukashenko said.
Alexander Lukashenko called the constructive interaction between Belarus and Cuba in the international arena a good tradition. According to him, the parties share each other's approaches to the most important topics of the modern agenda and provide unconditional mutual support. "
We unanimously and consistently oppose unilateral restrictive measures in international politics and trade. The illegal sanctions pressure on our states is not only not weakening, but is also increasing. This is especially true for financial settlement mechanisms. But negative external factors only encourage us to jointly search for effective solutions," the Belarusian leader emphasized.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that his previous meeting with his Cuban counterpart took place in Moscow
on May 9. This happened during the festive events on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. Then the parties agreed to continue contacts. This is already the second official visit of Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez to Belarus.
"Belarus has experienced first-hand what illegal restrictive measures by certain unfriendly states are. And it resolutely declares the unacceptability of the economic, trade and financial blockade imposed by the United States against the Island of Freedom and causing irreparable damage to the Cuban people," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.
The head of state drew attention to the fact that Cuba has remained a reliable ally of Belarus in the Western Hemisphere for many decades.
"Our relations are based on mutual respect and equality, comprehensive support in key issues for both countries, including within the framework of international organizations," the President noted. The head of state first of all expressed gratitude to the President of Cuba for finding the opportunity to visit Belarus and personally participate in the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, which will be held in the coming days. "We discussed with Miguel a wide range of issues on the bilateral agenda and outlined further steps to implement the most promising areas of cooperation. We paid attention to the difficult geopolitical situation. We confirmed the commitment of Belarus and Cuba to the policy of strengthening peace and security on our planet, and the further construction of a fair and multipolar world," the Belarusian leader said. Both sides are convinced that this is the only way to ensure the free, independent development of all countries and peoples, their true equality and protection of national interests.
According to the head of state, the opening of a production line of a joint venture for the production of Belarusian medicines intended for sale on the Cuban domestic market and in the Caribbean is expected in the near future.
A number of projects for the production of dairy products using Belarusian technologies and raw materials are also being developed. "We would like these high-quality, healthy products to become available to both Cubans and residents of neighboring regions," the President said.
"The President of Cuba has just proposed a simple, clear formula. He says that it is enough to import what we can produce, including produce together. Let's, he says, create joint ventures in Belarus and Cuba. Acceptable! We must implement this normal model in the near future."
Belarus offers Cuba not only the export of goods and services, but also active participation in the work to develop all mutually beneficial areas and directions based on a comprehensive and strategic partnership.
"We are ready to introduce modern scientific achievements and technologies into the Cuban economy for the successful implementation of joint projects designed for a long-term economic and, above all (this is important for Cuba and for us), social effect. Today, we are already implementing similar projects in Cuba in the areas of industry, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and food. An assembly plant for tractors, mounted and trailed equipment for them has been created," Alexander Lukashenko gave several examples.
First of all, the President of Cuba thanked the Belarusian leader for the invitation to visit Minsk and take part in the Eurasian Economic Forum and the
EAEU summit , and conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from Raul Castro. Taking the opportunity, he congratulated Alexander Lukashenko on his victory in the presidential elections. "This demonstrated the high authority and mass support for your activities," he said, addressing the head of the Belarusian state.
Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez emphasized the personal contribution of the President of Belarus to the development of bilateral relations and his personal involvement in finding joint solutions for the benefit of both countries.
"Our bilateral relations have deep historical roots of friendship and cooperation, are based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. These are relations between fraternal peoples and governments," the President of Cuba said. "Cuba has the political will to give them impetus in all directions, especially in the trade and economic sphere."
"We are interested in stimulating and encouraging trade in goods," assured Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez. "We strive for Belarusian companies to participate more in the implementation of the national plan for the socio-economic development of Cuba until 2030."
He drew attention to the sensitivity, understanding, and will to help on the part of Belarus and the country's leadership personally, to work together with Cuba in the context of the difficult situation that this country is experiencing.
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