Lukashenko: Belarus is consistently committed to building relations with Latin America

Belarus is consistently committed to building relations with Latin America. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting with Prime Minister of Cuba Manuel Marrero Cruz, according to BELTA.

"What has been and remains constant is that, as a high-tech country, we will build our relations with Latin America. And, naturally, Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua will always serve as the main pillars," said Alexander Lukashenko. "We view your visit precisely in this context. We have high hopes that we will significantly increase our trade and economic relations. It is not right that our trade turnover barely exceeds 10 million dollars."

The President proposed that the Cuban side utilize the best competencies of both countries to deepen trade and economic relations and elevate them to the level of political and humanitarian ties.

In turn, Manuel Marrero Cruz thanked the Belarusian head of state for the opportunity to meet and for the warm welcome organized in Minsk for the Cuban delegation. "And for all the warmth we have felt since our arrival, which makes us feel at home," he added.

The Prime Minister also conveyed greetings to Alexander Lukashenko from the leadership of Cuba and personally from President Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, who, according to him, fondly recalls his visit to Minsk in 2019.

"I have listened to you very attentively and fully agree. You have provided the most accurate analysis of the bilateral trade and economic relations between our countries. I share your opinion," said Manuel Marrero Cruz. "We are also aimed at proposing a change to this situation."

According to him, the Prime Ministers of Belarus and Cuba need to carry out comprehensive work to improve the current situation and fill cooperation with concrete projects.

The head of the Cuban government arrived in Belarus on an official visit on November 9. He is also scheduled to hold negotiations with Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, the heads of both chambers of the Belarusian Parliament, and members of the working group of the National Assembly for cooperation with the Parliament of Cuba. While visiting Belarus, Manuel Marrero Cruz will familiarize himself with its industrial potential and capabilities in processing meat and dairy raw materials.

This year, trade between Belarus and Cuba is showing good results. While these are not record-breaking figures (trade turnover reached $10.5 million in January-September), the growth rate compared to the previous period is 307%. The positive balance for Belarus has increased almost 9-fold, amounting to $7.9 million. The export of services is also growing (by more than 20%): according to data for January-July, it amounted to $155.2 thousand. If last year Belarus provided business services to Cuba, this year it has mainly been telecommunications, computer, and information services.

Currently, both countries are focused on increasing mutual trade turnover. In July, a Belarusian delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik visited Cuba on an official visit. The parties then discussed the entire spectrum of Belarusian-Cuban relations and ways to activate them, including through the mechanism of the bilateral commission on trade and economic cooperation. Traditionally, special attention was paid to the supply of Belarusian machinery and spare parts, in-demand food products, and other Belarusian products. A separate element of the meetings held was the discussion of Belarusian-Cuban cooperation and promising joint projects in the fields of science, biotechnology, and pharmacology.

Source: belta.by