Ryzhenkov on Belarus-Cuba political co-operation: responding to challenges and mutual support

Belarus is very interested in working with a country like Cuba, which is constantly pursuing its policies through to the end and is involved in many global processes, Belarus’ Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov told journalists, sb.by reports

Mr. Ryzhenkov is confident that relations with Cuba should not be measured solely by trade-economic co-operation. According to him, this country is a recognised fighter for the real rights of the international community on all platforms.

“This state is constantly pursuing its policies through to the end and is involved in many global processes. Of course, co-operation and interaction with this state are highly desirable, primarily from a political standpoint. These include establishing a shared agenda, addressing modern challenges and threats, supporting one another in international organisations, during elections, in establishing positions and voting on country resolutions,” Belarus’ top diplomat noted.

He added that Cuba is Belarus’ active political ally in terms of developing approaches for creating a new global agenda, for creating a new world order that is being discussed more and more these days. A world order that takes into account diversity and multiculturalism while offering an alternative to the hegemony that the collective West promotes in every possible way.

“From the point of view of trade-economic liaisons, the volumes are still small,” the FM stated. “But even taking into account the sanctions restrictions and the geographical distance, we still find opportunities to fully work out all the mechanisms of possible financial and credit support and trade, which allow us to increase trade turnover under favourable conditions.”

Mr. Ryzhenkov emphasised that the implementation of projects for a number of assembly plants of Belarusian machinery, attachments, and the creation of joint medicines is starting gradually.

“The consistent implementation of these projects, of course, will contribute to a rise in trade turnover and create new jobs, primarily in Cuba, where joint ventures will be established. Additionally, our businesses will benefit from being able to gain a more serious foothold in Cuba,” the FM noted.