Syria named Belarus’ key partner in Middle East :: Charter'97 :: News

Syria is a key partner for Belarus in the Middle East, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said today as he met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Syrian Arab Republic to Belarus Faruk Takh.

“Syria is a country we especially count on in relations with the Middle East,” said the President. “We have no closed topics to discuss and the Belarusian-Syrian cooperation is progressing in all areas,” added the head of state. He mentioned the essential increase in trade between the two countries: 66% up on the year in H1 2007.

Alexander Lukashenko also said, Belarus and Syria actively support each other at international institutions. “We have no disagreements concerning the most important global issues of international relations. Our views are practically identical,” said the President. The recent opening of the Syrian embassy in Minsk testifies to Syria’s intention to promote long-term serious cooperation.

Belarusian-Syrian trade and economic relations have been on the rise in recent years. In 2006 the trade between the two countries made $45.34 million, in H1 2007 — $29.15 million. Belarusian exports (large batches of MAZ automobiles, metal products, artificial fibres, MTZ tractors, other products) account for almost the entire bulk of the trade. Syrian imports are traditionally represented by fruits and vegetables, fabrics and medications. There is a Belarusian-Syrian joint commission for trade, economic and technical cooperation. The National Bank of Belarus and the Central Bank of Syria have signed an agreement on bank payments.

The military and technical cooperation of Belarus and Syria develops dynamically. Five sessions of the Belarusian-Syrian commission for military and technical cooperation have been held. The date for holding the next session of the commission in Damascus in 2007 is being agreed.