Results of negotiation marathon between Lukashenko and Aliyev in Baku announced

14 апреля 2021
The Presidents of Belarus and Azerbaijan held a meeting at Zagulba Palace. This is the country residence of Ilham Aliyev on the shores of the Caspian Sea, 40 kilometers from Baku. The heads of states could not meet in person for a long time, due to the pandemic. However, it didn't prevent them from having a face-to-face dialogue.

First of all, Belarus and Azerbaijan are great friends. This results at the political, national levels. Belarusians are very much loved in Baku. Therefore, despite the official status, the negotiations were held in a warm atmosphere. The countries can boast of a long track of economic contracts that is gradually increasing from year to year. The partners traded for half a billion dollars, even amid the world’s lockdown. Moreover, Belarus is ready to offer its assistance in the restoration of the territories affected by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Azerbaijan is associated with hospitality, delicious food, and large reserves of natural resources. Baku is an important player in the oil markets. And Belarus knows how to process black gold. The countries have great potential in building up cooperation there.

The dialogue between Alexander Lukashenko and Ilham Aliyev turned out to be a real negotiation marathon. An informal meeting yesterday and 2 meetings today. The leaders discussed relevant issues in a narrow composition with the participation of foreign ministers only. Then the other members of the delegations joined in to discuss in detail the expansion of trade and economic cooperation. At the end of the official part, Alexander Lukashenko also answered questions from journalists, one of which related to the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

On the eve of the Belarusian leader's visit, there was speculation on the Internet. They said that Minsk adopted a specific position on the Karabakh problem. The head of state dispelled these myths and fakes. The President congratulated the ordinary people, the residents of the region, on the end of hostilities. And our country is ready to help bring order and preserve peace there for everyone, without exception.

Minsk and Baku have agreed to move to a new stage of cooperation in economic cooperation. This is the creation of new joint ventures in various areas, from woodworking to information technology. The parties also signed documents on cooperation in tourism, energy and the oil industry. Such steps are designed to strengthen the already good relations between Minsk and Baku.