"We must fight for our place in the world!" This decision by Lukashenka forever changed the foreign policy strategy of Belarus

Presidents of Belarus and Zimbabwe ALEXANDER LUKASHENKOand Emmerson Mnangagwa took part in the ceremony of handing over Belarusian equipment to Zimbabwean farmers on January 31. The official meeting ceremony between President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi took place on March 13 at the Jomhuri residence in the Saadabad palace and park complex On March 1, a meeting of the President took place in BeijingBelarus Alexander Lukashenko and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the state visit of the Belarusian leader toCHINA On January 31, Presidents of Belarus and Zimbabwe Alexander Lukashenko and Emmerson Mnangagwa took part in the ceremony of handing over Belarusian equipment to Zimbabwean farmers The official meeting ceremony between President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi took place on March 13 at the Jomhuri residence in the palace and park complexSaadabad On March 1, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and President of China Xi Jinping met in Beijing as part of the state visit of the Belarusian leader to China Presidents of Belarus and Zimbabwe Alexander Lukashenko and Emmerson Mnangagwa on January 31 took part in the ceremony of handing over Belarusian equipment to Zimbabwean farmers 123Topic news

The beginning of the new year for Alexander Lukashenko turned out to be full of trips abroad. In winter, the Belarusian President visited the United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe. In the spring he visited China and Iran. We are planning a trip to India. The Belarusian leader is also expected in Pakistan. These very different countries have one thing in common - they, despite the distance, strive to develop relations with Belarus. And Belarus, of course, reciprocates them. In the new episode of BELTA's YouTube project "In Fact: Decisions of the First One" we look into how the countries of the distant arc ended up in the Belarusian foreign policy strategy, why Alexander Lukashenko calls distant China the closest neighbor, and how the United States, together with CANADA, put spokes into the wheels of Belarus in the Brazilian market .

Which countries belong to the far arc

Remember the story of how Robinson Crusoe kept his gunpowder from getting hit by lightning? He just put it in several bags and hid it in different places. This was his main capital and he disposed of it very correctly. This rule is used by all financiers. So, in their language, they diversify risks: they use different sources of income, keep money in different banks and in different currencies. Belarus also adheres to such approaches.

Back in the 2000s, Alexander Lukashenko declared the need not only to develop strong relations with neighbors, but also to create a so-called arc of cooperation with other powerful and wealthy states. In 2016, the President made changes to the directive on strengthening the economic security of the state. One of the points was the systematic diversification of exports. That is, the distribution of supplies between three markets: the Eurasian Economic Union, the European Union and the countries of the so-called far arc - Asia, Africa and South America.

“Be that as it may, if you want to be independent, you need to diversify your exports. We agreed with the government: I have to break a window in one direction or another, and then follow along. Where we will be, I already said, it’s difficult "The world will be different. It will be re-divided, reformatted. But we, Belarusians, need to carefully walk this road," Alexander Lukashenko said at a February meeting with foreign journalists.

The decision to develop distant markets still helps Belarus to stand firmly on its feet and develop its economy - even in the face of sanctions. The scheme is simple: one market is closed - we will transport goods to another. Yes, it is not easy to quickly redirect a huge flow of exports. But after all, Belarus does not need to open new markets - the foundation, and a decent one, has been laid for a long time. As they say, do not have a hundred rubles, but have a hundred friends.

Alexander Lukashenko during an interview with foreign and Belarusian media, February 2023

Why Belarus is interested in Iran

In March Alexander Lukashenko. This is a country with a unique history and experience on the map of long-term partners of Belarus. Diplomatic relations of the country were established 30 years ago. All this time, Iran has been under Western sanctions. In 1979, the United States imposed a "national state of emergency" on Iran. In recent years, pressure on Iran, as well as on Belarus, has intensified.

“Every nation has its own values ​​that stem from its culture, way of life, upbringing, religion, and these values ​​must be taken into account. This is the key to peaceful coexistence. Where this is forgotten, wars begin,” Alexander noted. Lukashenka at a meeting with his Iranian counterpart.

But look what happens. In 2021, the trade turnover between our countries amounted to $33 million, an increase of one third compared to 2020. And at the end of 2022, it exceeded $100 million, a three-fold increase. This is the same diversification that we talked about at the very beginning of the issue: if one market closes, we turn exports in the other direction. But the scheme works!

“We are unanimous with the President of Iran that sanctions are a time of opportunity. It is very important for us not to lose this time,” the Belarusian leader stressed. “In general, I can evaluate the current visit, if we implement all our agreements, within $100 million".

Alexander Lukashenko had a very busy day in Tehran: official negotiations with the President, meetings, and. One of the main results was the signing of a roadmap for the development of comprehensive cooperation for the coming years. It was developed as a follow-up to the agreements between the heads of state reached during their meeting in Dushanbe in September 2021.

Tehran

How Brazil ended up in the top trade partners of Belarus

Belarus also actively cooperates with the countries of Latin and South America. Our main partners here are Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil. It turns out that today the physical distance between countries is no longer a decisive factor if they are aimed at strengthening their cooperation. The same Brazil is a great example: it is in the top 10 partner countries of Belarus, being literally on the other side of the planet. By the way, Alexander Lukashenko met with the new Brazilian President Lula da Silva back in 2010: then the Brazilian politician also held the post of HEAD of state.

A year ago, the trade turnover between Belarus and Brazil reached $800 million. Now, due to a number of limiting factors, these figures have slightly decreased, but still it is hundreds of millions of dollars, which is dozens of times higher than the volume of Belarus’s trade not only with the nearest countries, but even with neighboring ones.

"Opportunities and prospects for further development of cooperation between the two states are far from being exhausted, and not only in the field of supply of potash fertilizers, petrochemicals and other goods and services. We must speak and promote cooperation in such areas that are relevant for the largest country in South America, such as ecology, "green" transport and so on. And we are already working in this direction: I don't want to get ahead of myself, but our cooperation in these new areas has very optimistic prospects," Belarusian Ambassador to Brazil Sergei Lukashevich said.

Sergey Lukashevich. Photo of the Embassy of Belarus in Brazil

Now Belarus and Brazil are negotiating the creation of a joint production of tractors. MTZ. The Belarusian side analyzed the needs of the Brazilian market, multiplied by the logistics component. It turned out that the profitability for the Belarusian enterprise will be negative. And Belarus is still not a global player, so it cannot afford to trade in the red just for the sake of conquering the market. But a way out was found. The Belarusian embassy noticed the following pattern: 70% of the entire agricultural sector in Brazil is the so-called family farms. And 20% of all farmers farm without the use of machinery, that is, semi-manual labor.

“Of course, the Brazilian market has a whole range of tractors of famous world brands, but these are expensive tractors worth $100,000 and more. Not every Brazilian farmer can afford such a unit, especially since maintenance of such equipment also costs a lot. have found a niche for Belarusian agricultural machinery: low-power basic tractors with a capacity of up to 20-25 horsepower, which can become an indispensable tool for family farming.Our goal is to create an assembly plant for Belarusian tractors in Brazil.An agreement has already been reached on the construction of two plants, and consent has been received from the governors these states, project activities are underway," the Belarusian diplomat said.

Will Belarus resume potassium supplies to Brazil?

A little earlier, we mentioned that the trade turnover between Belarus and Brazil has decreased due to limiting factors. The point is this. Potash fertilizers are the basis of Belarusian-Brazilian relations. However, the sanctions imposed against Belarus have significantly reduced supplies to Brazil.

“What are sanctions? This is when one manufacturer “puts a spoke in the wheels” of its competitor, hiding behind some imaginary democratic values. A specific example is the share of fertilizer producers from Canada and the United States in the Brazilian market has increased exactly by the volume that the Belarusians failed to supply "Coincidence? I don't think. And when there is a shortage of supply, the price always rises. So, over the past two years, the price of potash in Brazil has grown almost five times. Another coincidence? But we are not sitting idly by. The work of Belarusian and Brazilian experts in this direction is conducted literally 24/7. Our competitors cannot have any illusions: we will definitely find a way out of the current situation, restore traditional ties and be able not only to return Belarusian potash to the Brazilian market in the same volumes, but also to increase them,"- said Sergei Lukashevich.

What Belarus supplies to Pakistan

At a meeting with foreign journalists Alexander Lukashenko mentioned his plans . Perhaps his visit will take place in time for the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization - the leaders of the SCO countries agreed to meet in Delhi in the summer.

The Belarusian President is also expected in Islamabad. The Prime Minister of Pakistan addressed a letter to Alexander Lukashenko with an invitation to visit his country. : The MINSK Tractor Plant began supplying its tractors here in the middle of the last century.

"Our main position for many decades has been tractors and spare parts for them. This story is long-standing. A tractor factory started working here back in 1956. During this time, they have already delivered 150,000 tractors to Pakistan. In recent years, trade has diversified, "We are adding such items as artificial threads, tows, for the textile industry of Pakistan. It is well developed here. Plus, our Bellakt has been working well in recent years. Our interest is to expand the supply of agricultural products. We supply MILK powder here, there are prospects for the supply of veterinary drugs, bioadditives . " - said the Ambassador of Belarus to Pakistan Andrei Metelitsa.

Andrey Metelitsa. Photo of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Objectively, Belarus has not yet been able to fully compensate for the losses from the closure of Western markets. About 80% were redirected to friendly countries. Yes, the task is really difficult. But Belarus has no illusions. As Alexander Lukashenko once warned, it is more difficult to get to the far-arc markets than it is for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.

“Now there is a rather serious struggle between the main world players on the African continent. Everyone is present here. China comes here with serious investments, the United States does not lose its influence. The European Union is very active both in the economic part and in the humanitarian field. RUSSIA has resumed its return to the African market, but I am 100% sure that we have our own niches here - with the activity of our exporters," said Belarusian Ambassador to South Africa Alexander Sidoruk.

Alexander Sidoruk

The diplomat cited statistics: “If we hold up to 30% of the market for heavy-duty mining dump trucks in the world, then we could take the same percentage in the South African region. The same is true for agricultural machinery. If we occupy almost 10% of the world production of tractors, we could occupy the same niche on the African continent. We are striving for this. Now we are working on the creation of an assembly plant in one of the industrial zones of South Africa, where, I hope, our tractors will be assembled under the local brand in the near future."

Remember, Chukovsky warned: "Do not go to Africa for a walk!" But in fact, African states treat Belarus with special warmth. For example, the President of Zimbabwe, after recent negotiations with Alexander Lukashenko, admitted that the visit of the Belarusian President caused a stir among other leaders of South African countries.

Presidents of Belarus and Zimbabwe Alexander Lukashenko and Emmerson Mnangagwa took part in the ceremony of handing over Belarusian equipment to Zimbabwean farmers

"They have had a very good attitude towards us since the Soviet Union. They have never associated us with the colonialists, with some kind of oppressors. On the contrary, they associate us with those who helped them in the struggle for independence. In all countries of the region: in South Africa, Angola, Mozambique. Therefore, the attitude towards us is the most friendly, the most open, "- Alexander Sidoruk.

Do you remember Alexander Lukashenko's recent visit to Zimbabwe? Then the parties agreed on new projects in industry, trade, agriculture, energy and mining. "Thank you sanctions!" - said the Belarusian President.

How Belarus got closer to China

But China remains the main strategic partner among the states of the far arc for Belarus. As Alexander Lukashenko stated, responsible partnership, despite the distance, de facto made the countries the closest neighbors. Surprisingly (or not already?), but the Belarusian-Chinese relations have found an ardent opponent - the West.

“Our strategic cooperation with China became one of the reasons for the West’s attack on Belarus at the end of last year, but this should not stop us. It was said to me straight to my eyes: “You are leaving China, China should not be in the center of Europe.” To which I answered them: “When the European Union and the United States attacked us and the economy of Belarus 5-6 years ago with large-scale sanctions, China unconditionally supported us, at that time it opened its door for us, and we entered it. And what, we now have to close the only way to China to Europe, this window through Belarus? We cannot agree to this, because we are grateful people and remember what happened then. This was the answer to the US leadership and others interested in this issue," the head of state admitted a couple of years ago.

Beijing

These strange and narrow-minded - you can’t say otherwise - demands really did not stop Belarus. On the threshold of spring Alexander Lukashenko paid a state visit to China. This is the highest protocol status of foreign visits. In Beijing, the head of the Belarusian state was met taking into account all the features of not only the diplomatic protocol, but also friendly relations between the countries. Back in September 2022, Belarus and China established a special level of relations - an all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership.

"We have been friends for more than a year. We have a strong, unbreakable friendship. In the context of instability and turbulence in the international situation, China is actively committed to continuing joint efforts with Belarus to strengthen political mutual trust and practical cooperation in the interests of dynamic, healthy and sustainable development of bilateral relations," - Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed during the talks.

China is traditionally one of the three trade partners of Belarus. In 2022, the trade turnover between the countries reached almost $6 billion. Belarusian exports continue to grow from year to year. Alexander Lukashenko and Xi Jinping talked at the talks much longer than planned, and this, given the strict protocol etiquette in China, is a good sign. According to First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Snopkov, the total economic effect of the agreements reached is estimated at more than $3.5 billion.

On the last day of the visit, Alexander Lukashenko held meetings with the heads of large Chinese corporations. They include the construction of a mining and processing plant in Belarus and the development of the Belarusian National Biotechnology Corporation. were also achieved with the First Chinese Automobile Corporation "FAW Group". It is one of the oldest and largest car manufacturers in China. By the way, their Hongqi limousine was chosen as the official car for major celebrations and events in China. And it was on this car that Alyaksandr Lukashenka traveled around Beijing.

"You know our interest in you. You make good cars. If you have the desire and desire to work in Belarus, I am at your service. I would like us to create a real car in Belarus together with you. And if we want to get an effect and success, it must be done now, and very quickly, when the territories and markets for our future products have been vacated," the President noted.

How Belarus manages to find a common language with such different countries

Belarus is successfully developing relations with the states of the most distant regions and continents. All these countries are very different: in their history, cultural and religious traditions, and in their social structure. Some, unfortunately, conflict with each other. But, despite this, Belarus knows how to find common ground with them. What's the secret? In trust and mutual respect. Respect for national interests and striving for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Everything is the same as in life: you can remake your partner in every possible way for yourself, or, on the contrary, adapt to him with all your might. But it is unlikely that an abusive relationship will make you happy. Abusive... In the West, they came up with an apt description. But they did not understand its meaning.

Someone criticizes the Belarusian multi-vector approach. Maybe because of the lack of strength or the desire to develop friendly relations with various regions of the world? The position of Belarus is best described by the words of the President: "which is waiting with outstretched hand for subsidies and loans in exchange for giving up its own opinion and common sense. Relations with the European Union are important to us, with which we have the longest border and a high degree of interdependence economic, social, of a cultural and, finally, political nature.A no less significant vector for our diplomacy are the countries of the so-called far arc, where an important place is occupied by a close, despite the geography, and friendly to us China.At the same time, our Russia has been and will be the main economic partner and strategic ally . I see no compelling reason to abandon such a multi-vector approach. This is an objective reality for any sane politician who will ever lead Belarus."

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