Belarus’ ambassador outlines prospects of cooperation with Turkmenistan

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Turkmenistan Vyacheslav Beskosty has outlined the prospects of cooperation between the two countries, BelTA has learned.

“There are a number of trade contracts to supply our products to Turkmenistan and Turkmen products to Belarus. Trading houses of both countries open in Ashgabat and in Minsk. They sell a large assortment of products. There are also direct contracts between economic entities mostly of private form of ownership. We would like to resume deliveries of engineering industry products to the market of Turkmenistan. These are buses, trucks, and tractors. There are certain issues to be solved in this area, and we are working on them,” Vyacheslav Beskosty said.

According to him, Turkmenistan’s bed and table linens, tableware, cotton and textile clothes are very popular in the Belarusian market. In recent years, there has been a significant growth of tomato supplies to Belarus. “As for our supplies to Turkmenistan, dairy products, meat products are very popular there. Belarusian food products are a kind of quality mark for the Turkmen consumer. If it is made in Belarus, it means that it is both tasty and beneficial to health. Cheese, butter, yogurt, sour cream, cream and other dairy products sell very well. Sugar, alcoholic products, ethyl alcohol, woodworking products are also supplied in good amounts. A wide range of Belarusian goods is in demand here. We are looking for contacts, try to organize regular visits of business delegations,” the ambassador said.

Education has been the main driver of cooperation for many years. “Five years ago, the number of Turkmen students studying in Belarusian universities was about 12,000. Every fifth foreign student in Belarus was from Turkmenistan. Recently, this figure has dropped by about half. After the pandemic, Turkmen applicants to Belarusian universities have been becoming more active. Last year we issued about 2,000 visas to first-year students. This year this figure will be increased. I hope that in a few years we will reach a very good level of cooperation in this area. Belarusian higher education is considered high quality among Turkmen citizens. People find decent jobs after getting education in Belarus,” Vyacheslav Beskosty stressed.