Why Africa trusts Belarus: Lukashevich names pillars of successful partnership

Africa appreciates Belarus for always being sincere and open in building international partnerships, Belarusian First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lukashevich said on the air of the First Information TV channel, BelTA has learned.

Given that African countries have a high level of trust toward Minsk, the first deputy foreign minister was asked what lies at the core of this attitude toward Belarus.

“It is always simple with Belarusians. We are always sincere, open, and we say what we think. Both politicians and people in Africa certainly appreciate this,” Sergei Lukashevich said.

The first deputy foreign minister also pointed out that the colonial past still weighs on the countries of the African region in one way or another. As a result, while African states are open to contact, they approach it with a certain degree of caution. “When they see a sincere effort and a truly genuine interest in establishing real cooperation, rather than taking resources in exchange for nothing of real value, they reciprocate by proposing projects they actually need,” he emphasized.

Sergei Lukashevich described this sincere and open approach to cooperation as a hallmark of Belarusian diplomacy: “Belarusians are sincere. The president, the prime minister, and the foreign minister are always honest. Everyone sincerely wants to help Africa with what it actually needs.”

Answering why Africa is a strategic partner for Belarus, Sergei Lukashevich noted that it is now time to take a close look at the “far arc” regions. Global shifts observed in recent years have brought many far-off nations much closer to Belarus. Consequently, the very term “far arc” has lost its relevance to some extent.

“Here is a small example: Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich visited three African countries just last year to personally see where we can achieve results. To advance some initiatives, discuss certain matters, and build momentum,” the first deputy foreign minister noted.

The diplomat called Africa the continent of the future, emphasizing that work there must begin right now: “We need to approach them with our projects and clear benefits for African countries. We are doing this. Perhaps not as quickly as we would like. Our African partners have their own pace of decision-making, and there are some cultural factors at play.”

The first deputy foreign minister was asked if there were any difficulties in establishing contacts with African nations, given certain differences in mentality and culture. “Nothing is impossible. With the right intent, any of us can find a way to connect with our African partners,” Sergei Lukashevich assured.