Aleinik on cooperation with Zimbabwe: We've already had success, we need to continue working together

Photo by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, February 22, Minsk . Belarus is ready to organize and host a joint business forum with Zimbabwe in Minsk. This was announced by Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik on February 22 at the first meeting of the joint standing commission on cooperation between Belarus and Zimbabwe, BelTA reports, citing the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the beginning of his speech, the Belarusian Foreign Minister noted his joy at returning to this friendly country and thanked the Zimbabwean side for the warm welcome of the Belarusian delegation in Harare.
 
"Relations between Minsk and Harare are based on trust and friendship. They are productive because the parties strive to implement joint projects for the benefit of both countries and their peoples," the minister said. "Our cooperation is based on the relationship between the two leaders, built on trust, and mutually beneficial cooperation based on honest, time-tested relations." He praised the business forum that preceded the commission meeting and proposed holding a similar business forum in Minsk.

Sergei Aleinik noted that contacts between Belarus and Zimbabwe have significantly increased in recent years. In 2023, more than 15 Zimbabwean delegations visited Belarus, including the country's First Lady and Foreign Minister. "We already have a history of success, something we can be proud of. We must continue to work together to ensure our achievements grow and spread to other Southern African countries, such as Mozambique and Botswana, where our experience and best technologies are greatly needed," the Belarusian Foreign Minister emphasized.

During the Belarusian President's historic visit to Harare in January 2023, a number of agreements were signed in various fields, and these are being implemented consistently. During the current visit, the parties agreed to deploy all necessary resources to fully implement the third phase of the mechanization program, which includes the delivery of more than 3,000 MTZ tractors and 80 Gomselmash combine harvesters to Zimbabwe.

The minister announced that Belarus intends to organize a national stand at the multi-sector Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2024 (ZITF), which will be held in Bulawayo in April. Furthermore, the parties agreed on pilot participation by Zimbabwean companies in the Belagro exhibition in Minsk this June. The Zimbabwean side's immediate plans include a visit to the Bellakt company to discuss the certification and accreditation of Belarusian-produced baby food and milk powder in their country.

"Only through joint efforts can we strengthen our strategic, friendly relations and implement new, significant economic projects. Belarus is ready to continue providing the necessary support to the Zimbabwean government in achieving the country's long-term strategy, Vision 2030. In turn, we are ready to invite the Zimbabwean side to take advantage of Belarus's broad opportunities as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, with its large and promising market," emphasized Sergei Aleinik.