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Lukashenka: Belarus should establish close ties with African states

Belarus should find new foreign partners by establishing close ties with African states, Alyaksandr Lukashenka said Tuesday, addressing the newly appointed Belarusian ambassador to Nigeria, Vyachaslaw Byaskosty, BelaPAN said.

“You know that we have neither one thing nor another there, even in countries where our embassies operate,” said Mr. Lukashenka, according to his press office. “We have not yet got going, but we are about to start serious work. Their interest in Belarus is very serious. We have already explored the ground. There is an open field for work and we are looking for points of support. Today we need an embassy in Nigeria as a point of support.”

“You should be ready to expand your activities,” the Belarusian leader told Mr. Byaskosty. “If we start two or three projects, it will be enough for the beginning. But you also should look to neighboring countries where we also could carry out a couple of serious projects.”

“Moreover, I may even reduce our presence in regions that do not show a great wish to cooperate with us in order to shift the focus of the major diplomatic activities onto regions where we are welcome and where we could benefit from our cooperation. You are among the first people to go there and take the job.”

Mr. Lukashenka said that Presidential Administration head Uladzimir Makey should take control of the matter and, together with the foreign minister, shape the country’s relations with African states based on his instructions.

Speaking of Belarus’ cooperation with Asian countries, Mr. Lukashenka said that it was developing successfully. “We have, in fact, gained a foothold almost everywhere. We have recently appointed an ambassador to Indonesia. Well, perhaps, it is Australia where we still are not present, but I think this is a matter of time. Our cooperation with Asia is good.”

As for South American countries, the major focus should be on Venezuela and Brazil, said Mr. Lukashenka, noting also the “mutual interest” displayed by Belarus and Argentina in intensifying bilateral contacts.

“We should have something in reserve; we should diversify our foreign policy,” said Mr. Lukashenka. “That’s why we are opening embassies in large and famous states such as Nigeria. We have an open, export-oriented economy. There is no other way for us but to cooperate with other countries.”