Alexander Lukashenko meets Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates in Belarus

24 сентября 2015

Belarus intends to make every effort to increase trade with the United Arab Emirates. President Alexander Lukashenko had a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Emirates in Belarus, who finishes his stay in our country. The Head of the State praised the work of Mohammed Abdullah Al Ghafli and noted that the two countries made significant progress in the relationship.

The head of state appreciated the diplomat’s activities in Belarus: “I should say that the period when you have represented the United Arab Emirates in Belarus was marked by vigorous cooperation between our countries. We have outlined major avenues of cooperation with the UAE.”

However, the President said that the period of the diplomat’s stay in Belarus was positive. “I would like to thank you for it; you are a welcome guest in Belarus and can always come to our country without formalities. We will be glad to see you here,” the head of the said. He expressed hope that the new Ambassador of the UAE who will come to Belarus will continue developing bilateral relations.

At the same time, Alexander Lukashenko said that the existing level of bilateral trade can be increased. “I cannot say that the bilateral trade matches the potentials of the two countries. In 2014 the trade turnover was $70 million. It is not the figure which can satisfy our countries,” the head of state believes. He expressed confidence that the trade volume should be much higher and it is important to do our best to raise it.

The President believes that Belarus-UAE cooperation is a good foundation which should be used to build trade and economic cooperation and there should be no obstacles in bilateral ties. Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus can cooperate with the United Arab Emirates in all areas of interest. “The main thing is to implement the roadmap which we have worked out with the UAE leadership. I am convinced that we will have an opportunity to see each other in the UAE. Leaders of your country can also visit Belarus,” the President stressed.

The diplomat thanked Alexander Lukashenko for the kind words. “It was great honor for me to represent the UAE in your beautiful and friendly country. I have never felt a stranger here,” the diplomat noted. He also emphasized that the period of his diplomat service in Minsk was very active thanks to his personal efforts and especially to “the commitment of Belarusian friends and the interest of the Belarusian side in cooperation”.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Ghafli praised the level of Belarus-UAE cooperation and said that the relations between the two countries are very good. The Ambassador stressed that the UAE is doing its best to implement agreements between the leaders of the two countries. He expressed confidence that the countries can increase their bilateral trade to $500 million.