Yeugeny Krishtalev. Exclusively to VK
In the context of numerous developments of summer in the CIS territory, the visit by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Belarus wasn’t widely covered by the media. However, the pragmatic economic relations between two countries have achieved to a new level of strategic partnership. This statement means real projects, rather than empty, lofty words.
An Azerbaijani president has visited Minsk for the third time. Showing personal positive attitude to Ilham Aliyev, Belarus president welcomed and saw off the Azerbaijani leader in the airport. Alexander Lukashenka confirmed further following the course of relations’ development in all spheres. He recalled friendly support by Azerbaijan expressed in credits and loans which were given to Minsk immediately after its requests. Lukashenka emphasized that Belarus and Azerbaijan have no secret topics. Belarus president mentioned active development of relations almost in all spheres. According to him, there is a reason for it: Baku and Minsk have no disputes on political issues. Lukashenka also noted that both states are aimed at dynamic development of economy and growth of living standards.
Two presidents discussed their plans for making the relations real integration. The Belarusian media called the visit “innovative”. For many experts it was a surprise that development of industrial cooperation threw energy issues to the shade, even though Azerbaijan is associated with this sector. Presidents discussed machine construction, agricultural-industrial complex, establishing joint enterprises, construction, healthcare system, pharmaceutics, and other spheres.
Of course, they couldn’t stand but touch on oil and gas issues. Belarusian president believes that this direction is still promising. “We have proved high effectiveness of our cooperation in the energy sphere. Belarus is grateful to Azerbaijan for support in providing energy security,” Lukashenka said. The Belarusian side is ready to provide Azerbaijan with high-quality geophysical and mining equipment.
Another important project is the Gyandzhinsky automobile plant with Belarus assembling. Both presidents are sure the project has promising future. Minsk and Baku plan to go to foreign markets with machine products. Belarus openly says that it considers Azerbaijan as a starting point for launching its products in Turkish and Iranian markets. For Baku it is a nice opportunity to diversify its economy. The result is that mutual trade turnover has reached $1 billion. Last year it was promoted by oil export, but this year non-oil sectors prevail. Industrial cooperation will fill Belarusian-Azerbaijani trade turnover.
