Interview by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Syrian Arab Republic Y.Sluka to the news agency “SANA” (July 2, 2019, Damascus)

Relations between Syria and Belarus are based on mutual respect, dialogue and cooperation, the Belarusian Ambassador in Damascus Yuri Sluka has stressed in a statement to SANA marking his country’s National Day which marks Belarus liberation from Nazism.

According to Y.Sluka, Belarus has been supporting Syria, as a people and leadership, in the confrontation of the heinous terrorist aggression the Syrians have been facing for years. He pointed out that his country aims at enhancing friendship with Syria and at boosting cooperation in the political, economic social and humanitarian fields. 

“The return of normal life in Syria has prompted his country government to encourage Belarusian businessmen and companies to take part in the reconstruction process in Syria,” he made it clear.

Concerning his country’s participation in the 61st Damascus International Fair (DIF), Sluka said that Belarus had participated in the past two editions of the DIF and it has confirmed its participation in the new edition. He pointed out that preparations are underway for the participation of biggest Belarusian companies, specialized in agricultural vehicles and trucks manufacturing, in this year’s fair.

He clarified that seven Belarusian companies have confirmed their participation including MAZ automotive manufacturer, noting that the company will exhibit two trucks of its production in the DIF.

Y.Sluka affirmed that Damascus International Fair is very important as it provides opportunity for Belarusian businessmen to see the situation on ground in Syria and to have direct contact with Syrian businessmen.

He encouraged the Belarusian businessmen to visit Syria and introduce their high technology services which are known of their quality.

Belarusian Humanitarian aid to Syria

The Belarusian diplomat asserted that over the past four years, his country has sent humanitarian aid convoys to Syria, latest of which was sent last February. According to him, Belarus provided some 500 tonnes of aid that included medicines and vehicles. It has also organized a training camp for Syrian young sportsmen and their Belarusian counterparts in the capital Minsk.

Education and Cultural Cooperation

Y.Sluka also said that educational and cultural cooperation between Syria and Belarus is not new, it dates back to the Soviet Union era. He pointed out that this year, his country has provided 10 scholarships for Syrian students to complete their studies in the Belarusian universities in different specializations.

He reaffirmed his country's desire to boost cultural cooperation with Syria, noting that the Belarusian national dancing band will visit Syria by the end of September this year to present its shows at Al-Assad House for Culture and Arts in Damascus.