Belarus and Georgia interested in consolidating bilateral cooperation at all levels

1 марта 2017

By Ilona Krasutskaya: Today’s negotiations between Alexander Lukashenko and Giorgi Margvelashvili as part of the Georgian President’s official visit to Belarus have resulted in Belarus and Georgia confirming their interest in consolidating bilateral cooperation at all levels. A three-hour one-one-one meeting was followed by expanded format talks, the discussion focusing on a wide range of issues from the common historical past to the development of trade and economic cooperation. Minsk-Tbilisi cooperation is regarded with optimism. There are no political problems between the two countries, the volume of mutual trade growing by 60% over the past year to approach 100 million dollars. However, the countries are planning to switch from trading to industrial cooperation.

Minsk Tractor Works, Mogilefliftmash, Pinskdrev and Stadler are among the Belarusian companies widely represented in the Georgian market. These projects are the result of the agreements reached during Alexander Lukashenko’s first ever official visit to Georgia in April last year. Back then, Minsk and Tbilisi signed 15 bilateral agreements and set the task of reaching 200 million dollars in mutual trade. The countries decided to establish joint ventures and enter the EU and Eurasian Economic Union markets together. Consequently, the volume of mutual trade grew by 60% over the past year to approach 100 million dollars. 125 new commodities have been included in Belarusian exports. Belarus has become Georgia’s 11th major partner. The progress has been contributed to by active business meetings, a large-scale forum in Minsk, Belarus’ national product exhibition in Tbilisi and the opening of Belarus’ Embassy in Georgia.

Giorgi Margvelashvili arrived at the Independence Palace to be personally welcomed by President Alexander Lukashenko. The solemn welcoming ceremony featured a red carpet, the Honour Guard and the anthems of the two countries. On the way to the Mantelpiece Hall of the Palace, the two leaders stopped at a stand with Slutsk belts, Alexander Lukashenko telling his Georgian counterpart about the history of this national treasure.

Prior to his visit to Belarus, the Georgian President gave an interview to the programme In Close-Up, speaking about the prospects of Belarus-Georgia relations, integration with the EU and some personal matters.

The expansion of high-level dialogue between Minsk and Tbilisi is reflected in the economy. Although Tbilisi has exited the CIS, free trade regime with Belarus has been preserved. Given Georgia's current foreign policy priorities, Belarus has become its gateway to the Eurasian Economic Union market in return for the effect of Tbilisi's association with the EU.

Belarus' main exports to Georgia include trucks, tractors, furniture, medicines and food products. The country imports Georgian vegetables, mineral water and wine. Belarus is home to about 20 joint ventures and the same number of companies with Georgian capital. The main task is to double the mutual trade turnover. In an interview to Belarus 1, Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Rusyi said it was possible to reach the milestone of 140 million dollars by the end of the year. The Georgian President's International Relations Adviser has confirmed that the figure is quite real.

Following the talks, the two Presidents shared the key details with the media and exchanged gifts. Besides, Giorgi Margvelashvili planted a tree in the alley at the Independence Palace, paid tribute to Great Patriotic War victims, and visited the Great Patriotic War Museum and Minsk Arena.

Tomorrow will mark the second day of the Georgian President’s official visit to Belarus. Giorgi Margvelashvili is scheduled to hold meetings in the Government and with the speakers of both chambers of the Belarusian Parliament, as well as meet with the students and teachers of the Belarusian National Technical University. The Georgian leader’s first historic visit will end with attending the Mound of Glory memorial complex.