MINSK, 1 March (BelTA) – Belarusian-Georgian relations now develop systemically and purposefully. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement during expanded-participation talks with Georgia President Giorgi Margvelashvili on 1 March, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko stressed: “Within a comparatively short period of time after my visit to Georgia our interstate relations have reached a whole new level. Their development is now systemic and task-oriented. Everything we have agreed on is being successfully fulfilled.”

The Belarusian head of state pointed out that close economic cooperation is the engine that drives mutually beneficial partnership. “During the meeting in Tbilisi we agreed to raise the mutual trade turnover to $200 million in the future. Taking into account the value of services the mutual trade turnover was close to $100 million in 2016. It is a record high figure in the last five years. We can see that at this pace it is possible to reach the goal we've set. It is only necessary to tap into the available reserves in order to secure future growth,” said the President.

Most favorable business conditions promised to Georgian companies in Belarus The economies of Belarus and Georgia are complementary, which gives us advantages in mutual supplies, the Belarusian head of state said.

Belarus interested in developing humanitarian relations with Georgia “Along with the pragmatic economic issues, we pay serious attention to the development of the humanitarian component. The mutual exchange of the Days of National Cultures gives us a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the history and traditions of our nations. The Belarusian and Georgian societies need to hold them,” Alexander Lukashenko is convinced.

Lukashenko invites Georgia to pay attention to new initiatives “If we want to develop cooperation, we should pay attention to new initiatives,” Alexander Lukashenko believes. “For example, in the near future Georgia plans to erect an ice arena and a biathlon stadium at the mountain ski resort Bakuriani. Belarusian design and construction organizations are ready to help you.”

Belarus-Georgia relations described as example of respect, recognition of each other's interests The Georgian head of state underlined that the visit of the Belarus president to Georgia in 2015 gave a new impulse and energy to the bilateral relations. The process has already borne fruit for the benefit of the Belarusian and Georgian nations.

Margvelashvili: Belarus' experience in agriculture important for Georgia The Belarusian experience in agriculture is especially important for Georgia, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili said.

Georgia ready to share experience of developing cooperation with China with Belarus The Georgian head of state said: “I would like to emphasize our interest in exchanging the experience of cooperation with China. We focus on the matter in our foreign economic policy. China's interest in the region is tangible. We are interested in working together with you in this matter, too.”

Belarus, Georgia confirm interest in strengthening cooperation The parties confirmed their equal interest in expanding bilateral cooperation at all levels and all areas of mutual interest.