Alexander Lukashenko: No pandemic can disturb cooperation between Belarus and Azerbaijan

14 апреля 2021
Great negotiating marathon took place in Bakutoday. The meeting of the leaders of Belarus and Azerbaijan drew special attention not only because of the extensive partnership between the countries, but also because the talks were held in a face-to-face format. And this is a rare thing in our difficult time of coronavirus restrictions. Not a single pandemic can disturbthe cooperation between Belarus and Azerbaijan, our President stressed.

Today, Minsk and Baku have agreed to move to a new stage of economic cooperation. They have agreed to deepen contacts in oil business. The parties signed documents that will allow working more closely in the energy sector, agriculture and tourism. Besides, Belarus sincerely welcomes the agreements on complete cessation of military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. This is an important political decision for Azerbaijan and Armenia and, above all, for the people of both countries. 

This morning started with coffee and an express coronavirus testfor the participants of the Belarusian-Azerbaijani negotiations.  Due to the pandemic, special quarantine restriction in Azerbaijan have been extended until early summer.Before entering the residence of the President of Azerbaijan, the delegations were tested for COVID-19. It was not reported, whether the presidents themselves took the tests.

Given all the restrictions, by today's standards, the Belarusian delegation to Baku is substantial. The ministerial pool covers all spheres of our cooperation: construction, industry, agriculture, transport and the military-industrial complex. 

Alexander Lukashenko hasvisited Baku 5 times. A lot has changed since the Belarusian leader came there in 2016. The city is going to host the Euro 2020 matches postponed because of the pandemic, and preparations for Formula 1 are in full swing. Alexander Lukashenko is the first foreign leader who is welcomed here during a year.

Last year Belarus had to look for new transit corridors. SOCAR together with Belneftekhim Concern developed the logistics in short time.  The total volume of the delivered fuel amounted to 800 thousand tons. Baku is ready to send a million tons of oil to Belarus.

The presidents of Belarus and Azerbaijan made a joint statement to the media. IlhamAliyev declared that our relations have been proved by time and they have been and will be of a strategic nature. Belarus will take part in the restoration of the destroyed territories in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan needs our technology. And there is a lot of work to be done in the territories affected by the Karabakh conflict.

On the eve of the meeting, the TV channels were indulging in fantasies about the agenda of the meeting. There was a lot of tension around the Karabakh. The background is clear. But Belarus never chose whom to be friends with, either Armenia or Azerbaijan. The bloody page of history is over and this is the most important thing. In this conflict, Alexander Lukashenko has always been FOR PEOPLE, for the people of BOTH countries.

А. Lukashenko declared that Belarus sincerely welcomes the agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh. This is an important political decision, which should become a basis for a lasting peace in the region," Alexander Lukashenko stressed. "I would like to congratulate the people of Azerbaijan and the people of Armenia with the end of this terrible tragedy, which lasted 30 years," said the Head of State. His position is known both in Azerbaijan and Armenia.

More than 1 million people in Azerbaijan have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination is currently carried out only with Chinese vaccine. Soon they are waiting for a batch of Russian Sputnik VI, which we produce on an industrial scale. As it became known today, part of the drugs will be supplied to Azerbaijan.  

Taking into account how painfully the pandemic affected all spheres of the economy, we need good offers for the economic growth. In this regard, we have great expectations from the industrial cooperation. This includes new enterprises and development of a plant in Ganja. This year, 1200 tractors and other vehicles will be assembled there. The next objective is to enter the Turkish market.

The Belarusian food is very popular in Azerbaijan, especially dairy and meat delicacies. The export of our agricultural products exceeded 30 million dollarslast year. The network of brand stores in Baku is growing.

The implementation of Baku agreements promises considerable benefits to the countries. Next year, Minsk and Baku may very well set a new economic bar. And this is stated at every meeting of the leaders.А. Lukashenko invited the President of Azerbaijan to visit Belarus.