BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

29/08/2006

Belarus moves to improve ties with SA

Belarus Foreign Minister Sergei Martinov on Monday said his country, shunned by the United States and the European Union, wanted to create "a dense fabric" of ties with South Africa.

"We want high-level visits from heads of states downwards and a dense fabric of contacts," Martinov told reporters after meeting with his South African counterpart, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

"Our people in industry, technology and academia are interested in working with South Africans," he said, speaking at the start of a visit in which he is due to sign four pacts to boost trade, military co-operation and cultural ties.

"We are like-minded on how the world should be run and how the United Nations system should be changed," he said.

South African exports to Belarus last year totalled R3,4-million while imports were worth R20,2-million.

Ties between Belarus and the West have nosedived since President Alexander Lukashenko won a third term in power over opposition candidates who accused authorities of intimidation and fraud.

Following the controversial re-election in a landslide victory in March, Washington and Brussels imposed a travel ban on top Belarussian officials in addition to a range of sanctions which were already in place. - Sapa-AFP

Source:

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=qw1156800065195B243

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