Belarus, Mongolia interested in closer cooperation

UFA, 9 July (BelTA) – Belarus and Mongolia are interested in expanding cooperation. The statement was made at the meeting of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko with Mongolia President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj in Ufa on 9 July, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that he would like to discuss the prospects of bilateral cooperation. In his opinion, the countries cannot be satisfied with the existing level of cooperation. “Our people are very similar, they are hardworking and kind. We can sell various things to each other. I think that it would be great to organize expert groups at the level of governments to study various cooperation avenues and even develop concrete projects,” the Belarusian head of state said.

In particular, Alexander Lukashenko drew attention to the delivery of Belarusian dump trucks to Mongolia. “This is a good project, we are ready to develop it. But we must move forward,” the Belarusian leader said.

The Belarusian President remarked that specialists of the two countries can exchange visits; besides, it will be possible to organize top-level visits to outline the prospects of bilateral cooperation. He added that the Belarusian side is interested in it.

The Mongolian President, in turn, believes that the two states have huge potential for stepping up cooperation. “Belarusian tractors, dump trucks and BelAZ vehicles are well known. Some time ago there was a Minsk refrigerator in every family,” the Mongolian President said. He stressed that Mongolia is one of the Asian countries where Belarusian products are very popular. He suggested mulling over five concrete areas for further cooperation.

Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj stressed that Belarus and Mongolia have very much in common: “These are landlocked countries without nuclear weapons. We have transferred to the market economy virtually at the same time, we are located between big states.” Belarus and Mongolia are equal partners. He noted with satisfaction that Belarus' Embassy was opened in Mongolia in 2014; there were three sessions of the Belarus-Mongolia joint commission for trade and economic cooperation.

Belarus' export is traditionally a major part of trade. It is rather diverse. Major Belarusian exports are dump trucks, elevators, railcars, foodstuffs, oil products, parts and accessories for cars and tractors.