Today, a key meeting was held within the framework of the President’s visit to the UAE. Alexander Lukashenko met with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan. Frankly and confidentially, the two leaders discussed the current state of relations and agreed to expand the scope of cooperation with new large-scale projects.
The priority and the bar set by the leaders of Belarus and the UAE is the mutual commodity, technological and investment annual turnover of $1 billion. In terms of the content, these should be the most advanced projects. The three-fold increase in Belarusian exports from January to August and a signed $25 million loan agreement is an indicator of the seriousness and validity of ambitions.
Also, though relatively new to the world of finance, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is one of the most successful funds in supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Previously, the fund gave loans mainly to Islamic countries and regions. That is why investments in Belarus serve as a gesture of high trust. The Belarusian Development Bank will offer businesses the low-cost credit resources in early 2018.
The UAE is an extremely important partner for Belarus in terms of real politics as well – especially now, when every vote in your support is an additional guarantee of sovereignty. Besides, Abu Dhabi has a colossal influence in the Arab world.
As a symbolic gesture, the President of Belarus presented the Prince of Abu Dhabi with a saber made in an oriental style and a decorative panel The Golden Eagle. The panel was made using wood and stamping technology.
Another important meeting took place on the hospitable Arab land. Alexander Lukashenko met with the President of Ukraine. Petro Poroshenko stressed that he keeps personal control over all issues of partnership – from trade to border control.
Belarus, for its part, keeps its side of the bargain, too. As always, Belarus proves that it is a country that keeps its word. In today's world such a reputation is priceless.
