Speaking broadly about Belarus’ foreign policy and its competitive advantages, the head of state emphasized that since gaining independence, the country has consistently and purposefully built friendly relations with international partners. This approach is based on the principle of multi-vector diplomacy.

However, according to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the West has applied double standards in its relations with Belarus almost from the very beginning, imposing sanctions and restrictions under contrived pretexts. “It was a losing strategy from the start, because they do not represent the whole world or even the majority of it,” the president remarked.

“The distant countries, whose doors are open to us and which were once seen as just a ‘belt’ of economic growth, are now a space where the interests of the leading global powers intersect. New alliances and centers of influence are forming, and everyone is focusing on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

As for Asia, Belarus is actively developing dialogue with China, Iran, Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, North Korea, India, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and other nations. In the Middle East, it engages closely with Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, following a bridge-building strategy in which certain countries act as gateways for Belarus to other regions.

Belarus has achieved notable results in cooperation with Africa. Last year, exports to the continent grew significantly, exceeding half a billion dollars. “Joint programs for agricultural mechanization with Zimbabwe and Nigeria are being successfully implemented. This aspect of cooperation has become a hallmark of Belarus' presence in Africa and has attracted significant interest from other countries on the continent, from Guinea-Bissau to Mozambique. Ties with traditional partners such as Egypt, Kenya, South Africa and Ethiopia are strengthening. The president emphasized that new momentum has been gained through contacts with Algeria,” the president stressed. “The approach of the country remains the same: we come to Africa as friends to help and provide support where necessary.”

Regarding Latin America, Belarus is committed to strengthening its interstate dialogue with key allies in the region, including Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua. Through steady and consistent cooperation with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Uruguay, and Ecuador, Belarus has seen tangible results, as these countries are now ready for pragmatic engagement.

In addition to developing bilateral contacts, the president also drew attention to cooperation with international organizations. He recalled that Belarus has become a full-fledged member of one of the most influential regional structures: the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Belarus has also gained partner status with BRICS, an alliance that, in essence, represents the voice of the global majority.

“Our strategic contribution to the stability and development of Asia, Africa, and Latin America is ensuring food security. We can offer, and most importantly, implement, comprehensive, integrated solutions: from supplying agricultural machinery and transferring technologies to organizing processing, storage, maintenance services, and logistics. Our hallmark on the global stage is thoroughness and strict fulfillment of agreements, as well as the ability to address large-scale challenges with optimal resources,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

belta.by