"You are the greatest nation." Why Lukashenko is focused on developing relations with Syria and Lebanon
February 20, 2025
The Middle East… Many states’ interests intersect in this region. Both those that are closer and those that are far away, even across the ocean. And in today's world, it's a disaster to fall into someone's sphere of interest – a real mess will start… Take Syria and Lebanon, for example. These are by no means poor countries, with rich histories and serious prospects. Yes, they have internal contradictions. But when someone wants to profit from it, expect war. Belarus, despite everything, no matter what events happen in the Middle East, has never severed ties with friendly states. Moreover, it has always strived to contribute to their development. Why? We will talk about this now. In the new episode of BELTA's YouTube project "As a Matter of Fact: The First's Decisions," we will tell you what benefits Belarus is seeking in Syria and Lebanon, and whether it's even about benefits, what message Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov took from Lukashenko to these countries, and why, according to the President of Belarus, these states deserve a great future.
What Belarus expects from Syria and Lebanon
Belarus indeed has many friends in the Middle East. Objectively, some of them are richer, some are poorer. But, as practice has shown, the Belarusian leadership does not think in such categories and does not divide countries into rich and not so rich. Yes, with some, we actively develop investment cooperation, while to others, we bring our goods and technologies. But with whomever Alexander Lukashenko holds negotiations, he always emphasizes: there are no closed topics.
Belarus adhered to the same principles when building relations with Syria and Lebanon. No political expediency or interference in internal affairs. Only equal and mutually beneficial dialogue.
- Ambassador: A new stage has begun in the relations between Belarus, Syria and Lebanon, and this is a good chance for everyone
- Belarus expects to restore and expand its diplomatic presence in Syria and Lebanon
"The potential that we have accumulated over all the years of our diplomatic presence in the Middle East region and in relations with Syria and Lebanon allows us at this stage - in many respects a turning point in the lives of both countries - to maintain our strong, stable positions both in bilateral relations and regarding our position on the development of the situation in the region as a whole. We are present here exclusively with the desire for equal and fruitful cooperation in all spheres of our interaction, both on a bilateral basis and in the international arena," said the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Syria and concurrently to Lebanon and Jordan, Yuri Sluka.