Excellency Mr.Valentin Rybakov, Deputy Foreign Minister

Excellency Mr.Valentin Rybakov, Deputy Foreign Minister

Distinguished Guests

Fellow Indians

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have assembled this evening to celebrate a landmark day in the history of relations between India and Belarus. This year marks the 25thanniversary of the establishment of relations.

India was among the first few countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Belarus after its independence in 1991. Since then, our relations have progressed and diversified satisfactorily.

Mutual trust, a sense of respect and commitment for cooperation are the main pillars for the survival of any relationship. It is gratifying to note that India-Belarus relationship, since the establishment of relations 25 years ago, has scrupulously evolved based on these principles. It is for this reason that our relationship, under the able guidance and commitment of our two leaders and governments, has evolved and prospered for the benefit of our two countries and two people.

India and Belarus enjoy a comprehensive partnership. High level exchanges at regular intervals, establishment of various mechanisms for consultations and extending support and cooperation in various international and multilateral forums have contributed in the growth of our relations. These relations were further cemented with the visits of H.E. Mr. Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus to India in 1997 and 2007 and Indian President’s state visit to Belarus in June 2015.The photo exhibition that has been arranged today traces the history of our bilateral relationship.

Excellency:

Both our countries have learned and benefitted from each other’s experience and expertise. Belarus as a good source of potash fertilizers helps India in ensuring food security for its large population. Belarus is also a well-known destination for Indian students to study medicine in medical universities. India in a modest way has helped Belarus in its development by establishing the Digital Learning Centre and the Grodno Power Project-II as well as providing training opportunities in various disciplines to Belarusian personnel under Indian Government’s ITEC program. Belarus helped in the establishment of powder metallurgy unit in India. Belarus also initiated the process of India-EEU FTA.

Last year witnessed the first Indian investment coming to Belarus in the pharmaceuticals sector through joint ventures between Indian and Belarusian pharmaceuticals companies. At the same time, Belarus opened a service centre in Nagpur for BelAZ dumpers in use in India.

We have achieved many milestones in our relationship and we have many more miles to cover. There is always scope for further expanding and diversifying our relations, particularly in the trade and economic and investment spheres considering the potential that exists in our two countries. I am sure the good synergy that exists between our leaders, governments and people will help in taking our relationship to new heights in the future.

Thank you.

I would now propose a toast:

For the continued progress, expansion and diversification of our relations;

For the continued growth, prosperity and well-being of our Leaders people, and two countries; and

For the happiness, good health, prosperity and well-being of your Excellency and all those present today

LONG LIVE INDIA-BELARUS FRIENDSHIP!