Only Belarusian people have the right to determine their future, and our national interests are present at all continents.
Today, six foreign diplomats presented their credentials to the President of Belarus. For the Ambassadors of Iraq, Nicaragua, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, and Sierra Leone, this is the official start of their diplomatic mission in our country. Belarus is open for joint work with any state, but only on an equal and mutually beneficial basis. Such a foundation has been created in relations with the closest ally, Russia, and in strong ties with Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the Persian Gulf.
Belarus, as a small state in the center of Europe, has no large-scale geopolitical ambitions, but strictly adheres to its national interests, from security and economy to technology and culture. Our diplomacy stands on this simple, understandable principle, which is alas rare in world politics now. The six credentials presented today to the President of Belarus attest to two simple facts: our sincere policy is in demand around the world, and we have allies and partners on every continent. This means that any external attempts to ignore or isolate official Minsk on the political map are doomed to failure.
The historical repercussions of the duplicitous policy were recalled by the President of Belarus. The country has just celebrated the Great Victory and is going to commemorate every third Belarusian, a victim of the Great Patriotic War on June 22.
Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus: Today, the situation in the world is far from being calm. The struggle for geopolitical influence and redistribution of economic spheres of interest has been aggravated by the coronavirus pandemic, which has further deepened the contradictions. We cannot ignore this, and neither can you. I will never be tired of repeating that only the Belarusian people themselves have the right to decide what their future should be.
Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus: In February, Minsk hosted the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, which was attended by over 2,500 delegates representing all strata of the society, people of various walks of life and political views. The decisions of this representative forum unambiguously confirmed support of the course on further development of social state with high-tech economy. At the same time, it showed the demand of the society for certain changes, including in the socio-political life. Belarusians have supported the announced process of constitutional reform, which is being openly discussed. True, it is not to everyone's liking abroad. But even in such difficult circumstances, Belarus remains committed to constructive partnership in the international arena. We are always inclined to dialogue. But it should be respectful, honest and equal.
New horizons in foreign policy and economy
Following the tradition, the President emphasized the national interests of Belarus in each vector of diplomacy. Iraq is a sector of mechanical engineering, agro-industrial complex, pharmaceuticals and education. Nicaragua and Belarus traditionally support each other in international arenas, but economic cooperation with Cuba and Venezuela in Latin America should be joined by the Nicaraguan economy.
Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus: There is no single sphere in which Belarus and Russia lack close and strong ties. Russia accounts for about half of the total volume of Belarus' foreign trade. A dialogue on deepening our integration is underway to create equal conditions for economic entities and for more effective use of new cooperation opportunities. I believe that Belarus and Russia have reserves in virtually every area. It is from these positions that we look to the future. And let our relations with the Russian Federation not worry anyone. Belarus and Russia are not building their relations against anyone. But if someone dares to challenge us - Russia or Belarus, or both Russia and Belarus - you know that we will respond.
Ambassador Evgeny Lukyanov positively assesses the large-scale change in logistics of Belarusian cargos from the Baltic ports to St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region. Lukyanov himself stood at the origins of the project two decades ago. Besides, the Baltic States play politics with Belarus so loudly that any business would feel uncomfortable there.
Rwanda and Sierra Leone see Belarus as a high-tech partner for the development of agriculture, education ("blue collar" engineers) and industry.
Mohamed Yongavo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sierra Leone to Belarus: Belarusian technology is highly appreciated in our country, especially in such spheres as education, healthcare, engineering and agro-technologies. Belarus, as a country with high human potential, has the necessary expertise, and my republic is now tasked with accelerating the growth of human capital and laying the foundations for future development.
Generally speaking, it is important in diplomacy, when countries and politicians speak the same language. It does not have to be literal, the main thing is that the language must be respectful and frank, and words must be followed by action. Only such diplomacy in the modern world and in modern Belarus has a chance for success.
