Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei Aleinik, stated at the inaugural meeting of the Joint Standing Commission for Cooperation between Belarus and Zimbabwe on February 22 that Belarus is prepared to host a joint business forum with Zimbabwe in Minsk, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The information was obtained from the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the outset of his address, the Belarusian foreign minister expressed his pleasure at revisiting this amicable nation and extended gratitude to the Zimbabwean side for warmly welcoming the Belarusian delegation in Harare.
“Relations between Minsk and Harare are based on trust and friendship. They are productive because the joint projects are designed to benefit both countries and their peoples,” the foreign minister said.
“Our relations benefit from trust-based relations between the two leaders and rely on time-tested, bona fide and win-win cooperation,” the minister noted. He positively assessed the business forum that preceded the meeting and suggested holding a similar business event in Minsk.
Sergei Aleinik highlighted that Belarus and Zimbabwe have markedly enhanced bilateral contacts in recent years, with over 15 Zimbabwean delegations visiting Belarus in 2023, including the country’s First Lady and the foreign minister.
“We can already talk about a success story, which we can be proud of. We must continue to work together to build on our achievements and scale up this cooperation model in other countries in southern Africa, like Mozambique or Botswana, where our best practices and advanced technologies are much needed,” the foreign minister stated.
During the Belarusian president’s historic visit to Harare in January 2023, both countries signed several agreements across various sectors, and they are currently in the process of systematically implementing them.
Furthermore, during the ongoing visit, the parties have reached an agreement to mobilize the required resources for the third phase of the mechanization program. This phase entails the provision of over 3,000 MTZ tractors and 80 Gomselmash harvesters to Zimbabwe.
As per the minister’s statement, Belarus will assemble a national stand at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2024 (ZITF), scheduled to take place in Bulawayo in April.
Additionally, the parties have reached an agreement for the trial participation of Zimbabwean companies in the Belagro exhibition set to be held in Minsk in June of this year.
Moreover, Zimbabwe intends to dispatch a delegation to the Bellakt company shortly to engage in discussions regarding the certification and accreditation of Belarusian-made baby food and powdered milk within their country.
“Only through joint efforts can we strengthen our strategic friendly relations and implement new big economic projects. Belarus is committed to providing the necessary support to the Zimbabwean government in achieving the country’s long-term strategy, Vision 2030.
“We are ready to suggest that the Zimbabwean side take advantage of the membership of Belarus in the Eurasian Economic Union with its large and promising market,” Sergei Aleinik emphasized.
Underlying reasons behind the bilateral relationship
The burgeoning relationship between Belarus and Zimbabwe has been gaining momentum. One might consider the underlying reasons behind this strengthening bilateral connection.
In early 2023, Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka embarked on a three-day state visit to Zimbabwe. During this visit, he pledged to enhance cooperation by providing the Zimbabwean government with more tractors and combine harvesters as part of a farm mechanisation program.
Contracts worth millions were finalised as a result of Lukashenka’s visit, indicating a commitment to economic collaboration.
Some have also speculated that Belarus seeks to subvert Western sanctions through its engagement with Zimbabwe. By diversifying its partnerships, Belarus aims to mitigate the impact of international sanctions.
Another perspective suggests that Belarus may be using the guise of interstate cooperation to establish corruption schemes. These shadow deals could potentially benefit certain individuals or entities.
The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing interactions between the two nations. In August 2023, Zimbabwe appointed a new ambassador to Belarus, signalling a commitment to further deepen their relations.
While official visits and signed documents demonstrate diplomatic efforts, the true motivations behind Belarus-Zimbabwe relations remain multifaceted and subject to interpretation.