20 February 2012
Belarus expects special attitude from Israeli ambassador
MINSK, 20 February (BelTA) – Belarus expects a special attitude to Belarus from the new ambassador of Israel despite some allied obligations of Israel, said President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko as he accepted credentials from Ambassador of Israel to Belarus Yosef Shagal on 20 February. According to Alexander Lukashenko, Israel occupies a special place in the foreign policy of Belarus. “Hundreds of thousands of emigrants from Belarus and their descendants live there. It is very pleasant that they have warm feelings towards the Belarusian nation. In turn, we treat them as our people. This priceless human capital cements Belarusian-Israeli ties,” said the head of state. He also approved of the Israel ambassador’s initiatives aimed at further enhancement of interstate relations. “Our country is open to building up investment, scientific and technical cooperation with Israel as a world leader in high-tech manufacturing,” said Alexander Lukashenko. The President of Belarus thanked the Israeli ambassador for his attitude towards Belarus. “I strongly hope that even despite tight allied ties [of Israel] with some countries Belarus will occupy a special place not only in your heart as an ambassador. I’ve heard your interview with a Belarusian TV company. I am ready to back virtually everything you said. The general idea and the stance deserve respect. It seems to me that we will have an ambassador of Israel in Belarus with a special stance,” Alexander Lukashenko told Yosef Shagal. Alexander Lukashenko also asked the diplomat to deliver his warmest regards to former compatriots, who once emigrated from Belarus to Israel.БЕЛТА