Kochanova: there is every reason to strengthen relations between Belarus and Turkiye

Belarus, Turkiye have a special relationship of strategic partnership, and this is the merit of the two states’ leaders – as noted by the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic, Natalya Kochanova, at a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkiye to Belarus, Mustafa Ozcan, on the occasion of the completion of his mission

"We are sincerely pleased with the work that you have done to strengthen close ties between Belarus and Turkiye,” Ms. Kochanova addressed the diplomat. “Both Belarus and Turkiye have a policy of sovereignty and independence, upholding the interests of their peoples and developing according to their own traditions.”

The Chairperson of the Council of the Republic recalled the previous meeting with Mr. Ozcan, which took place after a terrible tragedy: the earthquake in Turkiye. “We all felt empathy for your people,” she said. “Belarusians participated in rescue operations in Turkiye, and many of them were awarded for rendering assistance to the friendly country.”

Ms. Kochanova also thanked the Turkish diplomat for his contribution to the development of economic relations and interparliamentary activities, “We understand that events taking place in the world are aimed at the geopolitical division of the globe. In such circumstances, interparliamentary work is entering a completely new stage, and the importance of the role of parliamentarians is increasing. You know that this is a special period in the life of our country: the electoral campaign has begun. Deputies of all levels, of the House of Representatives will be elected in February, and members of the Council of the Republic will be elected in April. I am sure that everything will be done to ensure that the Friendship Group for Co-operation with Turkiye is promptly renewed, but at the same time retains its continuity and traditions.”

The Chairperson of the Council of the Republic expressed confidence that, during his work in Belarus, Mr. Ozcan managed to fall in love with the republic and will remain a good friend to it. “I am sure that you will do everything to increase relations between our states. We have a solid foundation and all the grounds for this,” she added.