Lukashenko expects to expand trade-economic co-operation between Belarus, UAE
During today’s meeting with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko said that he hopes the level of trade-economic co-operation between Belarus and the UAE will reach the level of political relations between the two countries. On June 26th, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi arrived in Belarus on a visit to attend the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting.
The honoured guest will also take part in the signing ceremonies of the agreement on economic partnership between the EAEU and its member states, on the one hand, and the United Arab Emirates, on the other hand, alongside the agreement between the Government of Belarus and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on trade in services and investments.
Welcoming the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “You have a relatively busy day and a very important one: I would like it to be a significant day in the history of your state. We will sign an agreement on our future co-operation. I sincerely hope that our trade-economic liaisons will advance to the same level as our political co-operation. At least we’ll keep asking you about it. Although there’s nothing to be offended about, we’re working well together as is proven by our bilateral investment co-operation.”
As an example, Aleksandr Lukashenko cited the investment project being implemented with the help of Arab partners in Minsk for the construction of the Northern Waterfront multifunctional complex. The Minsk International Exhibition Centre, where yesterday’s Eurasian Economic Forum was held, is one of its facilities. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi was among its guests.
“It is a powerful building, a whole complex built with your assistance. We are very grateful to you for this,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
According to the President, the Emirati company is also working on a hotel complex in the heart of Minsk that will cost hundreds of millions of Dollars.
“I believe we will shortly complete it on schedule. It’s a very impressive object. This will speak about our co-operation, about the friendship between the UAE and Belarus,” the Head of State emphasised.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted the UAE’s aid to numerous countries. For example, one of the funds established in the UAE has given $98bn in assistance to 100 countries over the period of its existence. The Belarusian leader commented, “These are impressive volumes. You are also liaising with the World Bank to provide assistance, and you have invested $3bn through their funds. I’m talking about this because I want to ask you not to forget about our companies. And if you practice this within the framework of this fund, we will be able to supply our high-quality products (ranging from food products to machine building goods). We would appreciate it if you could include us in this initiative.”
The President conveyed his best wishes to his good friend, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “Tell him that we are waiting for him in Belarus at any time.”
The UAE delegation includes the Minister of State for International Co-operation, the Minister of Economy, the Minister of Investment, the Minister of Foreign Trade, and the Minister of State (Co-Chairman of the Joint Commission).
In 2024, the trade turnover between Belarus and the UAE totalled $3.69bn, while exports stood at $3.66bn.
