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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko enjoy coffee and visit Hanoi Flag Tower, December 8, 2023. (Photo: Tuan Viet) |
Could you please tell us about the significance of Belarusian Diplomacy Day and the outstanding achievements of Belarusian diplomacy over the past 105 years?
On January 21, we will celebrate the 105th anniversary of Belarusian diplomacy. Over the years, Belarusian diplomacy, as well as our country, has gone through many trials and achieved significant successes, making an important contribution to the country's development, enhancing Belarus's prestige in the international arena, and strengthening and expanding relations with other countries and international organizations.
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| Ambassador of Belarus to Vietnam Uladzimir Baravikou. (Source: Embassy of Belarus in Hanoi) |
Since gaining independence in 1991, Belarus has established diplomatic relations with 183 countries and territories, including Vietnam on January 24, 1992.
Currently, Belarus has 71 diplomatic missions abroad, including 57 embassies, 2 permanent missions, 11 consulates general and 1 consulate in 57 countries and territories. Belarus has an Embassy in Hanoi and a Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
If we include non-resident diplomatic representatives, Belarus is represented in 105 countries and territories – the same number of years Belarus has been active in diplomacy. Behind this achievement is the persistent and hard work of Belarusian diplomats.
The priorities of Belarus' foreign policy are strengthening relations with Russia within the framework of the Union State, participation in cooperation in the post-Soviet space, in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, joining BRICS, expanding relations with countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
We pay special attention to developing relations with ASEAN member countries. This is a promising region for us in terms of supplying agricultural products, machinery and equipment and other goods.
Belarus, as a founding member of the United Nations, has been and continues to make an important contribution to strengthening the role of the United Nations in global and regional processes. Belarus has taken initiatives to contribute to the United Nations' efforts to recognize the diversity of progressive development paths, create global partnerships, combat human trafficking, as well as to the resolutions of the UN General Assembly on nuclear disarmament, illegal unilateral economic measures, the restoration of war-affected territories, etc.
A sign of Belarus' efforts in regional and global integration is its participation as an observer in the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Perhaps, the achievements of Belarusian diplomacy have contributed to the formation and consolidation of a sovereign, independent, respected and future-oriented Belarus, a country where every resident, whether Belarusian or foreign, feels good and comfortable living.
How does the Ambassador assess the contributions of Belarusian diplomats to fostering Belarus-Vietnam relations, including efforts to realize the recent visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko?
Based on traditional relations, cooperation and mutual support, Belarus and Vietnam have together achieved significant success in developing mutually beneficial relations at all levels and implementing many large-scale projects in many fields.
Over the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, a solid foundation has been built in the bilateral relationship, including hundreds of mutual visits at the highest level, including three visits by heads of state to Vietnam and Belarus, more than a hundred bilateral intergovernmental visits; inter-sectoral and inter-regional cooperation, dozens of important projects in the fields of trade, economy, investment, etc.
The most important thing is that we have tried to maintain and strengthen trust and mutual understanding between the peoples of our two countries. The Belarusian diplomatic service receives much credit for this effort.
The official visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Roman Golovchenko on December 6-9, 2023 is an event of great significance for bilateral relations. The visit achieved many important cooperation results, including joint projects in the fields of industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, education and environmental protection.
We believe that the resumption of high-level exchanges after the pandemic disruption is of great significance. The results achieved will serve as a foundation for the two countries to implement new initiatives and projects throughout 2024 and beyond.
On the occasion of the New Year 2024, what are your wishes for Vietnam as well as for the bilateral relationship?
On New Year's Eve, you always want to believe and hope for the best. Faith and hope are inherent in every person, every country.
Belarus and Vietnam are no exception. We believe that the time-tested friendship between our countries and peoples will contribute to further strengthening Belarus-Vietnam relations. We hope that our Vietnamese partners share our expectations and believe that through joint efforts we will be able to resolve all issues to bring bilateral cooperation to a higher level.
We believe that Vietnam, under the wise leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and its leader - General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, will achieve even greater successes in socio-economic development, improve people's living standards and welfare, and enhance the role and position of Vietnam in the region and in the international arena.
On this occasion, I would like to send my Lunar New Year greetings to all Vietnamese people and wish everyone health, happiness and prosperity.
This year 2024 will bring many exciting new plans, ideas, projects and opportunities for our two countries to realize together. Let 2024 be a year of many meetings, events, bringing many new, bright and positive impressions. May warmth, love, peace, joy and happiness settle in every heart and every home in the new year!
Thank you Ambassador!
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