Historical parallels and economic pragmatism

Historical memory and economy — these two topics became key during the meeting of the President with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Ngu. Aleksandr Lukashenko assessed the current level of bilateral relations, “Vietnam has always been our friend and will remain so. This is the main thing… We are determined to develop our co-operation in the economic sphere.”

The President touched upon the historical context in a conversation with a diplomat: he spoke about the difficult times that this southeastern state has experienced. It was about one of the largest military conflicts of the second half of the 20th century — Vietnam War, where the main world aggressors, the Americans, were involved. The Head of State noted, “When it comes to Vietnam, I always recall the struggle of the Vietnamese people against those who wanted to destroy Vietnam and establish a foothold in this blissful place, a strategic country of Southeast Asia. We were together back then. We fought together, we helped Vietnam. 
Photo by BELTA

Furthermore, we were rendering assistance, and we helped to win. I have an association with those times; there is something to remember. This is our foundation. And this history of joint fight is the foundation of bilateral relations. I want to assure you that we will always cherish these times of joint struggle that brought peace to the Vietnamese people, which later paved the way to today’s prosperity of your country.”

Extensive plans

According to the President, Southeast Asia is a very promising region for Belarus. Aleksandr
Lukashenko emphasised, “We will always do our best to help Vietnam to remain on the growth track. It is not only because we love the Vietnamese people, but also because it makes economic sense. This pragmatism is characteristic of the Belarusian people and the Vietnamese. This co-operation has always brought and will bring benefits. We are determined to promote economic co-operation. This is the pillar of our relations.” 
The President emphasised the fact that the trade turnover between our countries makes about $200 million. According to him, this is not much, but is also a fair amount.
As noted at the meeting, Belarus and Vietnam have mutually beneficial plans for the near future. Deliveries of Belarus special tractors for work in rice fields are being worked out. In addition, the prospect of building a joint venture for the production of milk and dairy products is being discussed. In general, our capabilities, the Head of State emphasises, are known to Vietnam, “We will be working to transfer our technologies to Vietnam and create joint ventures there to produce engineering products. I mean our major enterprises: Minsk Tractor Works, Minsk Automobile Plant, BELAZ. We are ready to co-operate with you in supplies of food and mineral fertilisers; it is very topical now. This will probably become a right avenue of liaisons for 100 million of Vietnamese. I know that we are certifying some of our food products, and I would like this to be more expeditious.”
The main results of the Belarusian-Vietnamese co-operation and its prospects in the near future can be discussed in detail in Vietnam: during the meeting, the President announced the visit of Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko to this southeastern country.

Background materials 
► Belarus exported potash fertilisers, livestock products, instrumentation products, medicines and cosmetics. 
► Rubber, integrated circuits, propylene polymers, some foods — nuts, fish fillets, canned fruits are imported from Vietnam.
► A representative office of MAZ and an official dealer of MTZ operate in Vietnam. In addition, the country has a factory assembling MAZ trucks since 2019.

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by