Belarus expects a serious boost in trade with Kazakhstan after Tokayev's visit to Belarus, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Belarus Yerlan Baizhanov in Minsk on 4 March, BelTA has learned. “There is a reason for our meeting today. You know very well that the president of Kazakhstan is expected to pay an official visit to Belarus in the third quarter. The president of Kazakhstan will be paying an official visit to Belarus. It is also very important for us today to stipulate some aspects of this important event for Belarus. Negotiations will be held at the highest level. The interested parties will hold meetings within the framework of the visit. I am sure that the billion of US dollars that we have achieved in bilateral trade will be considered quite small, keeping in mind the potential of the countries, the friendliest ones that make part of our integration associations. Such states as Belarus and Kazakhstan should have the most advanced relations,” the head of state said. According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, Belarus is ready to expand cooperation with Kazakhstan to set up joint ventures. He is also confident that the countries are able to overcome both sanctions and any other barriers and obstacles. The head of state also noted the active international activities of Kazakhstan. The country is currently presiding in the CSTO and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Belarus expects to become a full member of the SCO at the summit in Astana this summer, including with the support of Kazakhstan. Aleksandr Lukashenko thanked the diplomat for the great work he has done, especially in the current crucial period for Belarus. “I am referring to the recent elections. You have been closely following the situation in Belarus. I know that you are now visiting different places of our Belarus. I would like to hear about your impressions. Maybe you can tell us something that we do not see. We will be very grateful for your comments,” the Belarusian leader said. He emphasized that the Kazakh ambassador is a friend of Belarus. “Be sure that we will provide you with all possible support in your diplomatic mission,” the head of state said.
