MINSK, 26 July (BelTA) – A quality breakthrough in Belarus-Syria relations is a possibility, said President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko as he met with Syria President Bashar al-Assad on 26 July. “I am convinced that we will considerably expand the bilateral trade and economic ties. We have everything to make it happen, primarily the political will of the leadership of both countries,” said Alexander Lukashenko. He said the two countries are interested in implementing concrete specific projects in Syria, including the establishment of a joint venture to manufacture buses, automobiles and other vehicles. “Today and tomorrow our businessmen will meet and discuss concrete aspects of our cooperation. We have absolutely no secrets to hide from Syria, from you, from the Syrian nation and we are ready to do everything you may want,” assured the Belarus President. He was confident that meetings and negotiations during the visit of the Syria President to Belarus would create the foundation for a quality breakthrough in cooperation between the two countries in order to give a strategic aspect to the cooperation. “For Belarus Syria is not only a promising partner in the Middle East but the closest friend,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian head of state told Bashar al-Assad: “During restricted attendance talks we made several very important decisions that will allow us to advance faster in the implementation of specific projects”. Alexander Lukashenko assured his Syrian counterpart that Belarus will be the most reliable partner for Syria and “we will implement our agreements very promptly and vigorously”. According to the Belarusian head of state, Belarus is sincerely delighted by Syria’s success at reforming the economy, attracting foreign investments within the framework of a people-oriented development model. “We pursue a similar policy in Belarus. I think we should establish tight cooperation and share our experience of working with foreign investors and reforming the economy,” said Alexander Lukashenko. Belarus highly appreciates the efforts Syria puts into resolving Middle East conflicts and the important role of the country in maintaining the regional security. “We back demands of the international community for the Palestinians to be able to realize their legal right to create a country of their own,” said Alexander Lukashenko. Speaking about mutual relations between Belarus and Syria, Alexander Lukashenko said that in recent years they have been developing fast in political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres. Diplomatic missions of Belarus and Syria have been deployed. The legal base for the bilateral relations has been developed.

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