Lukashenko commented on agreements reached in Malabo: promotion hub and promising projects in Africa
The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, called the negotiations with President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo in Malabo very substantial, with the parties discussing a wide range of issues across various areas, BelTA reports
The main focus was placed on what Belarus can offer Equatorial Guinea and what problems can be solved taking into account the experience and knowledge of the Belarusian side. “As a result of the visit and negotiations, we launched a new stage in the relations between Belarus and Equatorial Guinea. In just a year, the work has been done that takes many countries several decades. This fact very clearly speaks of mutual interest and the desire to take our partnership to a qualitatively new level,” said the Belarusian leader.
According to him, in practical terms, key areas have been identified in which the parties will actively work, taking into account both the capabilities of the Belarusian side and the wishes of the African colleagues.
All directions and definite projects have been identified in the roadmap, designed until 2026. “Thus, we have placed our co-operation on a solid legal foundation. Moreover, a package of bilateral agreements and documents has been signed,” noted the President of Belarus.
The promising projects include the construction of an agricultural town with the necessary infrastructure; the construction of a hundred social residential buildings; the creation of a plant for the production of ceramic bricks with a capacity of up to 40 million pieces per year; the supply of fire trucks, construction and other equipment, including for the implementation of a joint project for logging and the creation of new farmland; and the conduct of work on electrification of remote areas.
There are also agreements on the cultivation of certain types of crops, the opening of agrochemical laboratories, etc.
“I’d like to especially note that agreements have been reached on the implementation of the first stage of creating a regional hub to promote Belarusian products to the markets of Central and West African countries,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
The Belarusian side also provided grants to Guinean students to study at Belarus’ medical universities. Moreover, the healthcare ministries have agreed to organise retraining of doctors from Equatorial Guinea in our country.
“It was decided to launch active work immediately, without any hesitation and bureaucratic delays. All problematic issues that arise will be quickly settled, if necessary with the heads of state’ involvement. The two governments have been instructed to take the necessary measures – financial, legal, organisational – as soon as possible,” the Belarusian Head of State stressed.
He underlined that Belarus boasts experience of successful work in Africa and on other continents. The President of Equatorial Guinea was able to make sure of this during the communication with his colleagues at the World Climate Action Summit in Dubai a week earlier. “We have probably organised some kind of a meeting of the African Union there,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted with a bit of humour.
The President expressed confidence that the reached agreements will soon begin to work for the benefit of the Equatorial Guinean people and the results will be obtained across all areas in 2024. He also thanked for the cordiality, warmth and hospitality provided to the Belarusian delegation.
