Lukashenko reviewed the implementation of the road map for cooperation between Belarus and Oman
The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, met with the President of the Omani Investment Agency, Abdel Salam Mohamed Al-Murshidi, as part of the ongoing working program in Oman. The parties analyzed the entire range of Belarusian-Omani joint projects, reports BELTA correspondent.
"We have a lot to discuss. We have worked together for a long time and have developed many interesting Belarusian-Omani joint projects. Perhaps it is time to systematize them and determine how we will act in the future. But I am satisfied with your last statement; I remember it. You told me: 'Mr. President, in the next year or two, you will see real progress on the specific projects we have outlined together,'" said the head of state.
Among the main topics discussed at the meeting were the creation of a joint Belarusian-Omani investment fund in Minsk to finance projects on the territory of Belarus; the construction of a pulp and paper mill in Belarus; the organization of a logistics hub in Oman for the supply of Belarusian goods to neighboring countries and regions, and the development of the "North-South" route; investments in agricultural projects in Belarus for subsequent food exports to Oman and the region, as well as the development of supplies of Omani seafood to Belarus.
The development of a tourism cluster in Oman and investment by the Omani side in tourism facilities on the territory of Belarus were also discussed.
Another topic was the prospects for the implementation of a trilateral project between Belarus, Oman, and Algeria for the production of complex fertilizers.
Alexander Lukashenko also noted that there are opportunities for developing cooperation with Oman in areas of interest to this country, such as healthcare and pharmaceuticals. In the humanitarian sphere, there is also education.
"We are absolutely open to you in these areas and we can do some things," said the President.
The President was shown a detailed presentation on the progress of the implementation of the roadmap for cooperation between Belarus and Oman, with specifics on projects and timelines.
Among the participants in the meeting were also the General Director of the holding "Oman Food Capital" (a subsidiary of the Omani Investment Agency engaged in investments in agriculture and food) Abdallah Al-Rashdi, as well as the agency representative Ali Al-Farsi, who oversees cooperation with Belarus.
"It is very encouraging that after my visit to Algeria and negotiations with the President of Algeria... By the way, a very thorough, smart, experienced person. I liked him very much. Absolutely down-to-earth. So, after this visit, some additional projects emerged that we agreed to discuss with you. These are projects of a trilateral nature," said the head of state. "During this time, after returning from Algeria and our conversation with you, we tried to systematize what we had previously agreed upon. That is, these specific projects. There are about 7-8 specific directions."
The President assured that Belarus is ready to develop cooperation with Oman in other areas and sees serious interest in this from Omani friends. "And especially your leader (we are lucky in this regard) - a good friend of the Belarusian people, the Sultan of Oman, who was recently in Belarus," said Alexander Lukashenko.
"We have defined the strategy for our cooperation. The gates are open. We need to deepen our involvement in these projects, as we agreed with you," the President stated.
On the joint investment fund
Alexander Lukashenko noted that the parties agreed to create a joint Belarusian-Omani investment fund in Minsk, which will finance projects on the territory of Belarus.
"Such a flagship, as we say, anchor project is the construction of a pulp and paper mill in Belarus. We have the experience and competencies. Our woodworking industry is very well developed," said the President.
He expressed confidence that there should not be any major problems with this project. Currently, pre-investment and project work is underway, and the site has been determined.
On the hub in Oman for trading Belarusian products
"You have probably already realized that we have learned to produce almost everything needed in this region - the region of the distant arc, as we define it in foreign policy. But I honestly admitted that we trade significantly worse than our Omani colleagues. Moreover, you have enormous opportunities in this region," said the President. "Especially in the East African region. You have very good relations with those African states where our positions are not so strong."
Alexander Lukashenko noted that in this regard, a decision has been made, and the Omani side has supported this, to create a Belarusian hub on the territory of Oman - a center for the transshipment of goods. They will be supplied both to the Middle East region and to several others, including Southeast Asia and Myanmar, where the President of Belarus also recently visited on an official trip, and extending to African countries.
"In this direction, there are already certain advances. And not just certain, but probably we have already covered half the way. We are already supplying some goods here for further re-export to the markets I just mentioned," noted the Belarusian leader.
On cooperation in agriculture and food supplies
Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that interest in this topic, especially in the region where Oman is located, will only increase in the near future. Food products, he is confident, will be in greater demand.
"This is what we can trade calmly. And today we are not just exchanging agricultural products with you. That is, what you have and we need, - you supply to us; what we can provide, and you need it, - we supply to you, in particular, dairy and meat products. We agreed that after trying all this, you are ready to expand cooperation. Therefore, the exchange of goods is already underway. But this is a very serious topic for us. And we thank you for supporting us," said the head of state.
Alexander Lukashenko also emphasized the need to expand production volumes and work directly. "We are ready for you to work directly with our agricultural enterprises and processing plants in Belarus for the processing and supply of food here (to Oman. - Note from BELTA)," he said.
On the Belarusian oasis in Oman
The President stated that a very important direction is the development of Oman as a tourist destination for Belarusian citizens.
"You know that we are a northern country. Many Belarusians travel around the world in search of a better place to relax. We would very much like to have our own Belarusian tourist cluster here near the airport so that our people could diversify their tourist trips," said the President. "I am very grateful to you and my friend the Sultan for allocating a huge plot for us in an exotic place, atypical for Oman. Where there is almost no sand and mountains, but there is a real oasis, where the air temperature is acceptable for our people. We would like to build together with you and our investors, who will be interested in this, such a tourist hub where our people will go."
Alexander Lukashenko noted that the parties have already made certain progress in this direction. Recently, direct flights from Belarus to Oman have started.
"We are ready to expand the trips of our people here. Not only to the Emirates and other countries but also to Oman. There is a fabulous nature here, an open ocean. I am sure our people will gladly take advantage of this tourist destination," said the head of state.
On the "trilateral" project for the production of complex fertilizers
Alexander Lukashenko said that during his official visits and negotiations, particularly in Algeria, many areas of joint work opened up. One of them is the production of complex NPK fertilizers. These are complex mineral fertilizers containing three main macroelements: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
"Our Algerian friends are very interested in this. As you know, Algeria has huge gas reserves. This means that we will have the opportunity to produce nitrogen fertilizers. We know how to do this; we have a large plant in Grodno," noted the head of state. "As the President of Algeria told me, they will soon have the capacity to produce 10.5 million tons of phosphates. This is a line for the production of phosphorus fertilizers. We have a corresponding company, a huge plant that produces such fertilizers. We know how to do this. In addition to nitrogen fertilizers, we produce phosphorus fertilizers."
Finally, Alexander Lukashenko continued, Belarus is one of the main producers of potassium fertilizers.
"To mix these three types of fertilizers in one granule is what the market needs today. We also know how to do this. Why not create an enterprise in which we can invest together with you and Algeria, if it will be in Algeria?" the head of state proposed.
The President emphasized that without providing fertilizers, there can be no talk of food security in African countries and the Global South. "The demand for mineral fertilizers is growing and will continue to grow in the world. Because food is needed," he said.