Belarusian president: trade turnover to reach $200 mln with Georgia this year

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, who is paying an official visit to Georgia, stated that he believes this year Georgia and Belarus will reach $200 million in trade turnover.

At a meeting with Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili at the Avlabari presidential residency Lukashenko stated that he "felt particular respect” for Georgia.

I have been a president for a long time and have visited many countries, but it would be sincere to say that I have a particular respect for Georgia,” Lukashenko said and stated that he "felt at home” in Georgia.

Georgians and Belarusians are very similar. We have no issues with Georgia. We are always taking steps for cooperation with your country,” Lukashenko told Margvelashvili.

Margvelashvili stated that Georgia’s and Belarus’ standing together was of high importance in the modern era for international security and welfare.

I am sure, after the visit, Georgia-Belarus relations will become even friendlier and more fruitful,” Margvelashvili stated.

Official welcome ceremony of the President of #Belarus Alexander Lukashenko pic.twitter.com/o3L2ROVBn8

— President Of Georgia (@MargvelashviliG) March 22, 2018

Lukashenko and Margvelashvili discussed political cooperation between the two countries, prospects for developing multilateral relations with international organizations, regional environment and security challenges.

They also touched upon trade-economic cooperation between Georgia and Belarus and prospects for its future development.

The officials also mentioned cooperation in science, education and medicine, transportation, logistics and infrastructure.

The presidents have signed joint documents on cooperation between Georgian and Belarusian state institutions, including a

• Memorandum on cooperation between the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia and the National Library of Belarus;
• Agreement on cooperation between Rustavi and Zhodzina;
• Agreement on regional cooperation between Imereti region of Georgia and Gomel region of Belarus;
• Memorandum between the Partnership Fund of Georgia and the Development Bank of Belarus;
• Memorandum on cooperation between the National Bank of Georgia and the National Bank of Belarus; cooperation in higher education between Georgia and the Republic of Belarus;
• Agreement between the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia and the Ministry of Health of Belarus;
• Agreement between the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Belarus;
• Agreement between the government of Georgia and the government of Belarus on visa free travel.

 Lukashenko will lay a wreath at the memorial of Georgian heroes fallen in the fight for Georgia’s integrity. He is due to hold meetings with the Prime Minister and the Patriarch of Georgia as well.