Miory Regional Executive Committee
The working schedule of the President of Belarus is always very eventful. Alexander Lukashenko holds meetings and working sessions on the most pressing issues of the country's development, regularly visits regions, makes foreign visits, and receives foreign guests himself, communicates with journalists, and signs decrees and laws. And even when there are no public events, it does not mean that the head of state is not working. However, even during his leisure time, whether it's a hockey practice or chopping wood, Alexander Lukashenko always finds an occasion for another assignment. As he likes to say, one must always proceed from life.
The "President's Week" project is for those who want to keep pace with the head of state, to be aware of the most relevant statements and decisions of the Belarusian leader.
How Kamchatka can become closer to Belarus and what large-scale prospects are opening up in working with this Russian region right now.
What the Presidents of Belarus and Uzbekistan agreed upon in Tashkent, where they visited together, whom they called, and why now is the most opportune time for developing cooperation.
How Belarus intends to "tighten" quality, what are the advantages of domestic "dictatorship," and what Lukashenko wished Xi Jinping in the coming Year of the Dragon.
About this and more in the new issue of the BELTA special project "President's Week."
THE FARAWAY NEAR. How to shorten the distance between Belarus and Kamchatka
On Monday, February 5, Alexander Lukashenko received a delegation from the Kamchatka Krai of Russia, led by Governor Vladimir Solodov, at the Palace of Independence.
It's a long way – a 9-hour time difference. In the press center, they even joked that the Russians from the Far Eastern region could be called true guests from the future, because when people in Minsk are just going to bed, residents of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky are already having breakfast and going to work.
"Such a long journey. Did you fly for 9 hours?" Alexander Lukashenko immediately asked, warmly greeting the governor.
"Nine o'clock. And then a layover in Moscow. But it's close when you have good intentions," Vladimir Solodov replied cheerfully.
"I very much hope, despite the considerable distance, that this is not your last (visit. - Ed. BELTA)," the President said. "You said it very correctly: 'If you go to good people, the distance shrinks.' I want you to know that you have come to the most decent and reliable people for any Russian."
A representative delegation arrived with the governor, which, according to the President, indicates great goals and serious intentions. In this regard, the Belarusian leader assured the Russian side of his readiness to "get involved and do the maximum" for the development of cooperation.
On working without unnecessary intermediaries
The geographical remoteness of Kamchatka from Belarus should not hinder the solution of diverse tasks, friendship, and cooperation, Alexander Lukashenko is convinced.
"I am convinced that we will find opportunities to build our relations without unnecessary intermediaries. And thereby, we will achieve that the products we supply back and forth will be much cheaper," the head of state emphasized.
Regarding possible participation in a grand project
The President mentioned a grand idea for the construction of the Penzhina tidal power plant in the Sea of Okhotsk. "We have certain competencies. If we can be of use to you in terms of designing and constructing this facility, we will be happy to participate in this landmark construction," said the head of state.
The leadership of Kamchatka is also not against such cooperation. "This is a strategic project that can change the configuration of the energy system of the entire Far East. And we will be glad if our colleagues from Belarus join the development of this large-scale project," the governor told reporters after the meeting.
Regarding the establishment of direct supplies of fish and seafood
Alexander Lukashenko noted that the Kamchatka Territory is famous for its unique marine resources. "It will be very correct and beneficial if we try to establish cooperation in this area," the President believes.
He said that when he visited Russia, particularly the Far East, he often inquired about the supply of fish products from such remote regions to Belarus. "Everyone tells me in one voice that it is possible to catch, sell, and buy products somewhere closer," said the head of state. - But we would like to try to supply these products from you. We have a significant deficit in this regard." Alexander Lukashenko proposed that specialists work out the issue of direct supplies of fish products, eliminating unnecessary intermediaries.
According to him, the creation of processing industries in Belarus by a Russian region can be a promising model for developing cooperation. "If it is profitable, we can try. We will create the most favorable regime for work and the supply of your products anywhere that is profitable for you," Alexander Lukashenko assured.
The President emphasized that investments of conscientious business in Belarus are reliably protected by the state.
In addition, Belarus has a large network of trade and logistics complexes equipped with everything necessary, including access roads, storage, and sorting facilities. "At your service, if there is a need for it. If you want to build something here yourself, we will provide appropriate support," Alexander Lukashenko offered.
On assistance in supplying Kamchatka with meat and milk
Among the areas of cooperation of mutual interest, the President also named the agro-industrial complex. "Taking into account your plans to increase Kamchatka's self-sufficiency in milk and meat, we are ready to provide the necessary equipment for agricultural complexes and dairy farms," Alexander Lukashenko noted.
Belarus also has extensive experience in creating dairy production facilities, including baby food.
On a tourist dream
The meeting also discussed the development of tourism potential. "The Kamchatka Territory is the dream of any traveler, including mine," the President said.
While recently in St. Petersburg, Alexander Lukashenko mentioned Kamchatka in conversations with Vladimir Putin as a very unique region. "I am always planning to see this region somehow. He (Vladimir Putin. - Editorial note of BELTA) keeps inviting me. He says, you need to visit Altai and Kamchatka, and Lake Baikal to feel the beauty of Transbaikalia," the President of Belarus said. - Therefore, if you are not against it, someday I will find time to visit you there."
Speaking generally about cooperation in the field of tourism, Alexander Lukashenko noted that at one time Russians and Belarusians were more keen on foreign trips, but now the volume of domestic tourism is growing. "Especially in Russia. I always tell Putin that if you want to see the most beautiful places, you don't need to go anywhere. Everything is in Russia," the Belarusian leader emphasized. - There is a place to relax. And Russians have finally realized that they should relax here."
The Belarusian destination is also in demand among Russian citizens. Last year alone, more than a million Russians visited the country. "I think more can come. We will gladly welcome them. They come here not because they don't have a place like Belarus. Because we treat Russians with the utmost respect. There is safety here, and for children. And they buy apartments from us, and their children study in our schools. Especially Muscovites," the head of state noted.
A CHANCE FOR A LEAP FORWARD. What Lukashenko agreed on in Uzbekistan and where the Belarusian "dictatorship" might be useful
The President of Belarus spent the second half of the working week in Uzbekistan. The upcoming visit became known at the end of last year. Then a government delegation from Belarus, headed by Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, visited Samarkand - the city hosted the Belarusian-Uzbek business forum. This time, during the official visit of the head of state, the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Uzbekistan was held in the capital city of Tashkent.
Belarus and Uzbekistan will implement projects worth over $1 billion in 2024-2025.
The dynamics of bilateral contacts at various levels have recently been on the rise. This is largely due to the good relations established at the level of the heads of state and personally Presidents Alexander Lukashenko and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the business component is actively catching up. The package of concluded agreements is constantly growing, and what is particularly important is not memoranda of intent, but agreements on specific projects, some of which are already being implemented.
Areas of cooperation are expanding, and new growth points are emerging. Industry and technology, textile industry, agro-industrial complex, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, urban development and public utilities, education, culture, sports and tourism are far from a complete list of areas in which Belarus and Uzbekistan intend to seriously advance cooperation in the near future.
It is important to understand that intergovernmental relations cannot be built on the friendship of presidents alone. And this, as Alexander Lukashenko likes to say, is the economy. Uzbekistan itself has shown solid development rates in recent years and sets ambitious goals within the approved strategy until 2030. Therefore, now is the right time for joint projects, technology exchange, and mutual investments.
The current trade figures are almost $600 million. On the one hand, this is not that much for trade between two countries. But the trend is important – a few years ago it was several times less, and the current level is a record. Nevertheless, the presidents are confident that this does not correspond to the existing bilateral potential.
"In the next year and a half, we need to reach $1 billion and look ahead," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. - While there is agreement between the governments and heads of state, much needs to be done. We need to "tie" our relations together. Young people will come to power tomorrow – they are different. They don't have this experience, they haven't gone through the path we have. We have everything in our memory. Therefore, we must not lose this time."
The heads of state communicated in various formats for several days. Including, they visited the Humo Arena Ice Palace together, where a match was held between the Tashkent club Humo and the Nomad team from Astana; they familiarized themselves with the capabilities of the TEXNOPARK production complex in Tashkent; they visited the Amirsoy ski resort; and even called their Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev together to congratulate him on his victory.
But, of course, the central event of the visit was the official negotiations, which took place on February 8 at the "Kuksaroy" suburban complex.
On the fraternal nature of the negotiations
The head of the Belarusian state emphasized that the leaders' negotiations could be called a meeting not just of friends, but of very close friends and brothers. "We understand each other. We understand what we have missed (in previous years. - Ed. BELTA). We need to catch up. You know my attitude towards you, towards the Uzbek people," Alexander Lukashenko noted. "I told him (President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. - Ed. BELTA): whatever you see in Belarus and need, we are ready to help with high technologies and do what you ask. We are ready for this."
Belarus is closely following the transformations taking place in Uzbekistan. "The only thing you need is time. A lot has been missed in due time. You have to, as you rightly said, catch up, catch up and catch up, and this is never easy. But the most important thing is that you know where to go. You are developing at an amazing pace," said Alexander Lukashenko.
"We are interested in the development of Uzbekistan because we have taken your country in Central Asia as a basis," added the Belarusian leader.
The President invited his counterpart to pay a return visit to Belarus this year and expressed confidence that after the detailed and principled negotiations held in Tashkent, the parties will be able to significantly advance bilateral cooperation. "I think we will do much more in a year. Everyone understood in which direction to move"and how quickly we need to move and resolve issues. We will support the Uzbek people and Uzbekistan as much as we can. Only so that you achieve the goals you have set for yourselves," said the head of the Belarusian state.
He specifically noted that in Belarus, historically, since the Soviet Union times, various high-tech industries have developed, and this potential has not only been preserved but also multiplied: "Belarus has everything that Uzbekistan needs technologically today and tomorrow. This is because we stand on the shoulders of giants who created what we have in Belarus today. And we are fraternal republics. The President rightly said that Belarusians and Uzbeks are very similar peoples – tolerant, flexible, they don't pry into other people's gardens, they don't take anything away from anyone, they don't intend to fight. We are hardworking peoples and are ready to seek and find our own happiness."
About Belarusian Quality for More Than One Year
During the negotiations, Alexander Lukashenko told his Uzbek partners that the current year has been declared the Year of Quality in Belarus. "This (quality and work in this direction. - Ed. BELTA) is for the long term, not just for one year," he emphasized.
Special attention is currently being paid to the development and modernization of production facilities in Belarus. Moreover, domestic products are in high demand in neighboring markets due to their quality. "We want to 'tighten up' quality even more now. Why? Because they want Belarusian quality," the President noted. "And people in Russia are used to Belarusian products – it was our common, Soviet heritage. Now we have brought it up to a decent level. We will improve the quality. So keep in mind, our equipment will be even higher quality."
On the main guidelines for cooperation
Priority issues discussed during the negotiations included deepening industrial cooperation, establishing joint ventures, and ensuring favorable conditions for the exchange of goods and services.
"In organizing joint ventures, we aim for long-term cooperation and their systematic localization, which will ensure the creation of new jobs in Uzbekistan. The main guidelines are import substitution and technological sovereignty," said Alexander Lukashenko.
It should be noted that the negotiations between the heads of state in an expanded format, with the participation of delegation members, had a special character – exclusively practice-oriented. It was not just an exchange of some protocol statements listing promising areas for cooperation. Externally, it was more like a working meeting or a joint high-level collegium: a lively exchange of views, business proposals, and instructions during the negotiations, and an "inquisition" of government members. The presidents heard reports from relevant ministers on how interaction is developing in several areas, what results have already been achieved, and what requires immediate solutions.
"We keep talking... I see that we haven't quite achieved something in some areas, andis very relevant for the republic: "We can create joint production here, and he (President of Uzbekistan. - Editorial note of BELTA) will bring any substance here: he has colossal connections in the world."
As reported by the Chairman of the Grodno Regional Executive Committee, Vladimir Karanik (and previously - the Minister of Health), the parties are discussing this issue in detail. Belarus and Uzbekistan want to analyze the regulatory framework to simplify the registration of drugs and compile a list of the most sought-after medicines. Including with the prospect of selling to neighboring countries.
"Regarding technical registration. Listen, we have a 'dictatorship' - we can solve the issue quickly. The main thing is that you have an agreement," noted Alexander Lukashenko. - Let's create this together." And in general, Belarus is ready to lend a shoulder to Uzbekistan in healthcare, especially in the field of maternal and child protection.
The cooperation agenda includes a very impressive economic block, including the industrial direction. Belarus is ready to contribute to the modernization of Uzbekistan. Readnot just to supply equipment, but also to create service centers on the ground for its maintenance.
"There is no need to go around the world and bow down. We offer this to you with an open heart, asking nothing from you. And we cannot demand anything: we are equal, identical countries, what can we demand from each other? We can only cooperate with you on a good basis, and you with us," Alexander Lukashenko noted the advantages of working with Belarus.
Naturally, the development of industry, medicine, and other areas is impossible without qualityand training. "I promised my friend that we would do everything he wished in the field of education. This includes establishing branches of our schools and universities here if necessary," the head of the Belarusian state stated. "We are also ready to implement plans for scientific exchanges."
Alexander Lukashenko and Shavkat Mirziyoyev also touched upon the international agenda. The parties will continue to develop cooperation on international platforms.
Following the negotiations in Tashkent, the presidents adopted joint statement. In it, Alexander Lukashenko and Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that Belarus and Uzbekistan will continue to make efforts to further develop their partnership. In the presence of the heads of state, the parties signed an impressive package of documents. The main agreements were enshrined in the plan of events (roadmap) for the development of cooperation for 2024-2025.
On joint work with third countries
The prospects for cooperation in the production of medicines in Uzbekistan with the possibility of their export to third countries have already been mentioned above. But this is not the only area.
"Neighboring states, especially the long-suffering Afghanistan (which Shavkat Miromonovich told me a lot about), need our help and support. And this is primarily medicines, food, and clothing - what a person needs. We can do a lot in this direction together and work with Afghanistan. All conditions for this have been created in Uzbekistan. This is a very interesting topic for us," said Alexander Lukashenko.
According to him, the parties agreed on the construction of factories for the production of chicken meat and eggs. "And not because Uzbekistan is lacking something, but because we (the President suggested) can sell it to our neighbors," the Belarusian leader emphasized. "A common, down-to-earth approach, we adhere to it. And we are ready to work together. That is, we proceeded in negotiations from the practical and from the needs of the Uzbek people, the Belarusian people, and our neighbors, and they, as you know, are not chosen, they are from God. And I support the policy of the President of Uzbekistan, who is trying to build human relations with his southern neighbor - Afghanistan."
SPRING FESTIVAL. What the Year of the Dragon promises for Belarusian-Chinese relations
The Green Wooden Dragon, the zodiac sign of 2024, has finally and officially replaced the Black Water Rabbit this week. In China, the new year according to the lunar calendar began on the night of February 10.
The New Year in China is also called the Spring Festival – Chunjie. It is customary to celebrate it with family. Parents and children, brothers and sisters, spouses, even those who work or study far from their hometown – everyone strives to spend this time together.
Such a holiday is always a good reason to congratulate good friends and all-weather partners, which the President of Belarus did not fail to do.
Alexander Lukashenko congratulated the Chairman of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, on the Spring Festival.
"China plays an increasingly important role in ensuring balance, peace, and justice in the international arena. Holding high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, your country is successfully implementing centuries-old paradigms and new strategic priorities," the congratulatory message reads. "The patronage of the Dragon traditionally promises better times for making wise, far-sighted, and bold decisions. The coming year – the year of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China – will be marked by the implementation of comprehensive modernization and significant transformations of the new era."
The Head of State stated that the past year had become an important milestone in deepening the all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership between Belarus and China: "Minsk and Beijing have reached an even higher level of political trust and coordination of international activities, and have expanded the scope of multifaceted cooperation."
Another period of strengthening relations is beginning between the two countries, which will be filled with bright events and achievements.
One of the key foundations for the future will be the approval of the plan for the development of applied Belarusian-Chinese cooperation until 2030 within the framework of the agreement between the leaders of the two countries. "We are ready to offer a number of new directions in the context of Belarus becoming an important investment platform for the PRC in the region," the President noted.
Alexander Lukashenko wished Xi Jinping good health and further success in his responsible state activities, and the friendly people of China - peace and prosperity.
A separate congratulation is also addressed to Zhang Ming, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The organisation is becoming an increasingly authoritative international association, designed to turn challenges into opportunities, and to promote peace and prosperity for the peoples of the SCO.
It is expected that Belarus will acquire the status of a full member of the "Shanghai family" as early as this year. "Our republic is fully prepared to be involved in various formats of the SCO in its new status," the head of state emphasized.
Source: belta.by