Belarus Ready to Help Zimbabwe in Solving Domestic Issues - Lukashenko

MINSK (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 17th January, 2019) Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Thursday during the meeting with his Zimbabwean counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagva, who arrived in Belarus on an official visit, that Minsk was ready to help Zimbabwe in overcoming internal problems.

"We are very worried about you and would like that you overcome difficulties as soon as possible, both the internal political and economic ones. You must remember that we will contribute to this in every possible way," Lukashenko said during the meeting.

He explained that Zimbabwe "is going through a rough time."

"But I want to note that we have experienced these difficult times more than 20 years ago ... Any country that tries to reform, improve and build its own economy and society goes through this difficult stage," Lukashenko noted.

Belarus is also ready to help Zimbabwe in taking a leading position in Africa in terms of economic growth, the Belarusian leader said.

"You have set yourself a task to bring the country to the leading position in Africa in terms of economic growth in a short time. I am absolutely convinced that your people have everything necessary for rapid economic growth and solving urgent problems ... And Belarusians are ready to assist you in this," Lukashenko said.

Relations between the two countries are developing dynamically, he noted.

"However, there is significant interaction potential that has not yet been largely unlocked. In the coming years, we have to do this, especially in the areas of trade and economy," Lukashenko indicated.

Mnangagwa thanked the Belarusian side for support, adding that for almost two decades, his country had been subjected to various economic sanctions and was isolated.

He also recalled that he had visited Belarus about four years ago as the first vice-president, and since then countries have maintained close ties.

"I am very pleased that we have such open and direct contacts. There are very close and good relations between our countries. My administration and the people of Zimbabwe view Belarus as a fraternal country, a fraternal nation," Mnangagwa emphasized.

The visit of Zimbabwean leader to Russia and Belarus this week is being conducted amid a wave of protests against the increase in fuel prices by 200 percent in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) stated that 172 people were injured during the three days of protests through Wednesday, of which 68 had gunshot wounds.