Lukashenko on results of two-year co-operation with Zimbabwe: our countries achieving tangible results together

Belarus and Zimbabwe are achieving tangible practical results from their bilateral co-operation – as stated by President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko during his today’s talks with President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa in an expanded format

photo: www.president.gov.by

The President stated that much has been done since the historic talks between the two leaders in Harare in 2023. In particular, a joint commission has been set up, a direct dialogue has been established between relevant ministries and companies, and humanitarian and cultural contacts between Belarus and Zimbabwe are expanding. “Our countries are achieving tangible practical results together, and the joint agricultural mechanisation programme in Zimbabwe has become a true example of honest, open and productive co-operation," he said.

Thanks to the joint programme, Zimbabwe's wheat harvest has already more than tripled: since 2022, the country fully meets its domestic wheat needs, and exports of surplus products to neighbouring countries (Mozambique, Botswana) have begun. Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “We continue to work with a focus on preserving such crops and further strengthening the food security of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa as a whole. Using this example of our joint work, other countries of the African continent see that there is a real alternative to the exploitation and dictate on the part of the West and multinational corporations.”

More than 60 students from Zimbabwe already study at Belarusian universities in agricultural, medical and technical fields, and the republic is ready to enrol even more.

Industrial co-operation has been intensified, and Aleksandr Lukashenko stated in that regard, “I am confident that the agreements signed in April this year on the establishment of a joint bus production in Zimbabwe will be implemented.”

The implementation of agreements on the mutual supply of food products (milk powder, juices, fruits), co-operation in the fields of healthcare and the supply of medicines, science and technology continues. “We are ready to scale the accumulated experience. Belarus can become Zimbabwe's reliable partner in the introduction of modern waste recycling technologies, digitalisation, peaceful use of nuclear energy, and interaction in space exploration," the Head of State said.

At the same time, according to the Belarusian leader, there are issues that prevent the parties from moving forward and achieving a stable mutual trade turnover (that is approaching $100m) by 2030. “We need to find the solutions. They exist, and that is why we are negotiating today,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.

The Head of State assured the partners that Belarus always fulfils all its obligations.