Doha: The Republic of Belarus celebrates its National Day – Day of Independence — today.
Belarus became a sovereign state in December, 1991. On July 3, 1944 the Belarusian capital Minsk was liberated from Nazi occupation.
This year Belarus and Qatar have celebrated the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations, established on February 16, 1996. Joint efforts of both friendly states aimed at facilitating political dialogue, strengthening economic ties, expanding people-to-people contacts as well as deepening mutual understanding and supporting each other at the international arena have been making Belarus and Qatar closer to each other step by step.
As a result, the highest level of strategic partnership and political dialogue between Belarus and Qatar were achieved.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko paid official visits to Qatar in 2001 and 2011 which provided an impetus to mutually beneficial cooperation in various sectors. In 2009, a reciprocal official visit of the then Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (now the Father Emir) to Belarus took place and strengthened bonds of deep-rooted friendship. There has been regular exchange of high-level bilateral visits in the recent years.
The Belarus Embassy was opened in Doha in June, 2014. Since then, the political dialogue has become more dynamic. Belarusian Ambassador to the UAE, Roman Golovchenko, is accredited as a non-resident Ambassador to Qatar.
A meeting between Lukashenko and Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was held in Istanbul in April, 2016 within the framework of the Islamic Cooperation Organisation in the spirit of mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation and the most important issues of bilateral ties were discussed.
Two friendly countries enjoy coincidence of positions on topical issues of the international agenda. Belarus and Qatar cooperate constructively and support each other in the UN and its bodies. Both states fruitfully participate in the Group of Friends United against Human Trafficking and the Group of Friends of the Family in the UN.
Belarus and Qatar have many things in common. Thanks to that both friendly states have been continuously widening the range of cooperation and friendship since 1996.
Bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation between Belarus and Qatar is developing successfully. Belarus exports to Qatar potash fertilisers, electrical devices for measuring or checking, glass kitchenware and tableware, furniture, women’s textile garments, plastic products, artificial flowers, ceramic and porcelain tiles, metal structures, aluminium products, locks, glues and adhesives, tools, cosmetic and hygiene products etc. Qatar traditionally exports to Belarus mostly ethylene polymers.
To encourage state and private companies of both countries to create mutually advantageous ties and provide the best favourable conditions for bilateral trade volume growth, both governments established the Joint Committee in 2009. The third meeting of the committee was held in Doha in April, 2016.
In early 2016, the Qatari big pilot investment project in Belarus – the new five-star internationally rated Marriott Hotel was opened in Minsk. The impressive project is a fruit of cooperation in the field of investments, which started in June, 2012. The falcon-shaped design was inspired by the logo of the owning company. The Minsk Marriott Hotel Development is the start of many investment opportunities in Belarus. A number of new Belarusian investment proposals have been passed for consideration of Qatar Investment Authority, Qatari Diar, Barwa Real Estate, Nebras Power, Hassad Food Company and other companies and state bodies.
Belarus has a growing level of cooperation with Qatar in different spheres of sports, especially in the area of the winter sports.
To develop regional cooperation in October, 2010 a delegation of Al Rayan Municipality visited the Belarusian city of Mogilev and a Twinning Agreement was signed. The city of Mogilev and Al Rayan municipality became the twin cities.
Cultural ties were established. In March, 2012 Days of Belarusian Culture were held in Qatar. In June, 2012 Days of Culture of Qatar were organised in Belarus.
The Peninsula
