Our relations with countries of Asia and Africa

Belarus has established diplomatic relations with over 80 countries of the region and has its diplomatic missions in 14 of those countries(United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Egypt, Israel, India, Indonesia, Iran, China, South Korea, Libya, Nigeria, Syria, South Africa, Japan). At the same time, Belarusian ambassadors are accredited as non-residents in several countries. Belarus is constantly expanding its diplomatic presence in the region.Belarus opened diplomatic missions in Indonesia and Nigeria in 2011.

The installation of Honorary Consuls is now high on the agenda. The Honorary Consuls advocate the interests of Belarus in the countries of Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific region, including Australia, India, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Iraq, Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Mongolia, Myanmar, Ghana, Nepal, Oman, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan and Syria.

Similar interests and approaches to addressing international problems and the goals of social and economic development certainly contribute to deeper cooperation with other countries of the region. A major factor for mutually beneficial collaboration is vibrant socio-economic growth of Belarus.

Belarus fruitfully develops relations with the countries of Asia, Africa and Oceania in the sphere of international organizations, first of all, within the system of the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Cooperation with traditional and priority partners in Asia and Africa such as China, Iran, India, Vietnam, Republic of Korea, Syria, Egypt, Libya, South Africa, UAE, Qatar and other countries of the Gulf retains its positive dynamics. Regular exchange of visits at the highest level has a positive impact on the development of bilateral cooperation with the countries of this region.

In 2011, the volume of trade with Asian, African and Middle East countries was $6.4 bn or 134 per cent on 2010. There are joint projects in economic, technological, investment and other spheres. In some countries joint ventures are started to produce modern automobiles and tractors based on Belarusian technological developments. Belarus undertakes to implement projects aimed to reconstruct and modernize Asian and African economies, to develop transport and information network facilities.

Belarusian organizations actively participate in international exhibitions and fairs held in the countries of Asia, Africa and Middle East.

The region becomes more and more attractive for the Belarus exports consequently to the creation of regional free trade areas, including ASEAN Free Trade Area and the Arab Free Trade Zone.

The development of relations with Africa and Asia is aimed at strengthening of political, trade and investment cooperation. In this connection “economic diplomacy” is becoming more important.

A promising avenue for cooperation with the countries of the Gulf is the sphere of investment.

The most prominent partners in Asia include China, India and Vietnam.

Due to geographical remoteness the relations between Belarus and the countries of Oceania are now in the making.

Belarus is interested in joint science-intensive projects. Practical scientific developments in chemistry, information and laser technologies, genetic engineering, animal breeding, equipment of increased reliability and durability, powder metallurgy are of particular interest. There is a considerable progress in cooperation with foreign partners in the named areas.

Belarus traditionally cooperates with the developing countries in the sphere of education. Hundreds of future specialists from Asia and Africa annually graduate from Belarusian universities. In 2011/2012 academic year 4612 students from Africa and Asia were getting higher education in Belarus. Educational, scientific and technological cooperation tends to expand.

Promising projects also include collaboration in the spheres of tourism and culture, enhancement of inter-municipal and inter-regional ties that generate open and cooperative relations.

The potential and prospects of cooperation with the countries of Asia, Africa and Oceania are immense. Belarus is optimistic about its multifaceted relations with the countries of the region. The expansion of collaboration coincides with the interests of Belarus as well as its partners.

Read more about our relations with the countries in Asia and Africa at our Embassies and Consulates websites.