Lukashenko hails Belarus - Azerbaijan relations

Belarus and Azerbaijan have not just preserved bilateral relations but have expanded them, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Belarus Latif Gandilov on 26 July, Report informs via BelTA.

The president stressed that the peoples of the two countries enjoy good, close and friendly relations.

“These are brotherly relations, as we often call them. This is an example of good relations since the Soviet Union time: we were once part of one state and had good, even excellent relations. We have not just preserved them but expanded the relations. Of course, you have done a lot for that. You are a true friend of our people. I hope that no matter where you work after Minsk, Belarus will remain in your heart,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko thanked the Azerbaijani diplomat for his understanding of the complicated processes in Belarus. The president added that Belarus was also concerned about the conflict that escalated between Azerbaijan and Armenia last year.

“Thanks mainly to the position of Azerbaijan and your president, you managed to stabilize the situation and come to a peaceful resolution of the problems. Of course, the path to peace has only just begun. Both Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples deserve a calm, peaceful life,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

Speaking about the development of trade and economic relations with Azerbaijan, Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that Belarus is always ready to provide technical and technological assistance. He thanked Azerbaijan for hydrocarbons supplies to Belarus.

After the meeting with the Belarusian head of state, Ambassador Latif Gandilov said that relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus have a solid foundation, the countries always look forward and set important goals together. “We have been able to achieve all the goals over these years. We have no unresolved issues,” the diplomat stressed.

“Belarus is a brotherly state for us. The prestige of the state is high. We have always been there for you and will always be,” the ambassador concluded.