Belarus, Azerbaijan continue to strengthen strategic partnership

Belarus and Azerbaijan continue to strengthen their strategic partnership, expanding political dialogue, economic cooperation, and humanitarian ties, Belarusian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Dmitry Pinevich said at a reception marking Belarus' Independence Day, Report informs.

He noted that under the leadership of the two countries' presidents, Aleksandr Lukashenko and Ilham Aliyev, bilateral relations continue to develop dynamically.

"The strategic partnership between the countries is strengthening, political dialogue, humanitarian ties, and direct regional contacts are developing, which is reflected in the growth of mutual trade and the increase in the number of joint projects," the diplomat said.

The ambassador noted that over the past year, mutual visits have taken place between the heads of government, deputy prime ministers, co-chairs of the intergovernmental commission, and heads of several ministries and agencies, as well as approximately 40 mutual visits between business representatives from both countries.

According to Pinevich, joint Belarusian-Azerbaijani projects are being implemented in various regions of Azerbaijan, including Baku, Ganja, Sumgait, Gabala, Aghdam, Khankandi, and the Karabakh region as a whole.

The diplomat also noted the high-level participation of the Belarusian delegation in the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku, congratulating Azerbaijan on the successful organization of the event.

"We thank Azerbaijan for its assistance and hospitality. I am confident that the entire diplomatic corps joins in highly appreciating the forum," he said.

Pinevich expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov as co-chair of the Belarusian-Azerbaijani intergovernmental commission, emphasizing that two commission meetings held in Baku and Minsk since July of last year confirmed the effectiveness of the existing interaction mechanism.

The diplomat also thanked the leadership and staff of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, the Cabinet of Ministers, the Parliament, government agencies, representatives of the business community, educational and cultural institutions, the media, and the diplomatic corps for their contribution to the development of Belarusian-Azerbaijani cooperation.

In conclusion, Dmitry Pinevich congratulated Azerbaijan on Armed Forces Day, celebrated on June 26, expressing confidence in continued productive cooperation between the two countries to maintain peace and security.