Makei visited India to agree on intensification of co-operation in petrochemicals, trade, pharmaceuticals
Belarus’ Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei paid a working visit to the Republic of India, and the Foreign Ministry commented on its results
During Mr. Makei’s meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, mutual interest in co-operation in a wide range of areas was confirmed. The parties emphasised a traditionally friendly and constructive nature of bilateral liaisons, while also outlining concrete steps to expand trade and economic co-operation. The issues of mutual support within international organisations were discussed as well.
“An agreement was reached on joint work to update the legal framework of the Belarusian-Indian relations. The current situation in Ukraine was discussed in detail, and the need for its peaceful settlement as soon as possible was highlighted,” the Foreign Ministry said.
In turn, issues of ensuring international food security, including taking into account the role of Belarus as one of the leading producers of potash fertilisers, were discussed at a meeting with India’s Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Mansukh Mandaviya. Co-operation in the field of petrochemistry were also considered.
The 11th meeting of the Belarusian-Indian Intergovernmental Commission on Co-operation in Trade, Economy, Industry, Science, Technology and Culture was held under the co-chairmanship of Belarus’ Foreign Minister and India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal. The Commission comprehensively considered the entire range of issues of bilateral co-operation – primarily, on the development of liaisons in the field of logistics, industrial co-operation, agriculture, finance, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, in the scientific, educational, tourism and other spheres. A protocol – which defines further steps to achieve strategic relations between the two countries – was signed as a result.
Mr. Makei and India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry confirmed their firm commitment to creating favourable conditions for increasing mutual trade and implementing joint projects in such areas as mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure development. The need to eliminate trade barriers and restrictions between the two countries was recognised.
The Foreign Minister also delivered a speech at the Belarusian-Indian business forum organised under the auspices of the National Centre for Marketing and Price Study and the Confederation of Indian Industry. The event gathered more than 60 Indian companies, and Mr. Makei called on representatives of the Indian business to work more actively in Belarus. He also confirmed readiness of Belarusian enterprises to expand their presence in India.
"Agreements on co-operation between Belarusian and Indian companies were reached on the side-lines of the forum, and relevant mutually beneficial documents were signed," the Belarusian Foreign Ministry added.
During his visit to New Delhi, the Foreign Minister of Belarus also held bilateral meetings with representatives of major Indian businesses, focusing on the prospects for implementation of a range of projects of mutual interest.
