Posted: 29.03.2022 12:36:00

Lukashenko declares readiness to develop co-operation with Vietnam

The Head of State has met today with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to Belarus, Nguyen Van Ngu, to discuss the economy and preservation of historical memory – among other issues

Photo: www.belta.by

“I am glad to see you cheerful and full of energy. So, not everything is bad in our world,” Aleksandr Lukashenko greeted his guest at the Palace of Independence. “There are quiet and peaceful places, and I am here referring to our friendly Vietnam as well. The people of Vietnam have deserved this quietness and a favourable growth in well-being and Vietnam’s development.”

Belarus’ President reminded that Vietnam had gone through very difficult times in the past, “I remember those times, although I was still very young. You know, when it comes to Vietnam, I always remember the struggle of the Vietnamese people against those who wished to destroy Vietnam and settle down in this paradise which is a strategic area of Southeast Asia. We were together then. We fought together, and we helped Vietnam. We were rendering assistance, and we helped to win. I have an association with those times; there is something to remember. You probably remember something from those difficult times for the Vietnamese people. This is our foundation. This is our historical memory in the relations between the two states. I want to assure you that we will always appreciate those joint times of struggle which brought peace to Vietnamese and – at present – well-being to the people and prosperity to your country.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that Belarus will always do everything for Vietnam to develop – not only because of love for the Vietnamese people, “Also because it is economically beneficial. Pragmatism is natural for our people, for the Vietnamese people, and for our states. This co-operation has always brought and will continue to bring benefits.”

According to the President, the Belarus-Vietnam trade turnover makes about $200m. This is not much, but is also a fair amount. “[The figure] may be larger. This is only the recorded turnover. We are determined to develop our economic co-operation. This is the foundation of our relationship. You are aware of our capabilities. We will strive to transfer our technologies to the territory of Vietnam, establish joint ventures there to focus on mechanical engineering production. 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,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.

The Head of State proposed the Ambassador of Vietnam to discuss further prospects of co-operation as well, “I think that our Prime Minister will visit Vietnam – as we have planned earlier. The results of the past years of co-operation and prospects for further liaisons could then be possible to discuss there in detail.”

“I want you to know: Vietnam has always been our friend, and it will remain such. This is the key point,” the President concluded.