Speech by President Tony Tan at State Banquet in honour of HE Aleksandr Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus

Your Excellency Aleksandr Lukashenko

Excellencies

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

        It gives me great pleasure to welcome Your Excellency and your distinguished delegation to Singapore. Your Excellency’s visit is the first by a Head of State of Belarus to Singapore, and marks a historic milestone in our bilateral relations.

        Singapore and Belarus enjoy friendly relations. Since we established diplomatic relations more than twenty years ago in August 1992, our ties have developed well. As small countries surrounded by larger neighbours, we share many common interests. We appreciate the importance of multilateral forums and international organisations. Our countries have worked well together at forums such as the Non-Aligned Movement. We were delighted to welcome Belarus into the Forum of Small States at the United Nations last year. We are also pleased to be part of the “Group of Friends United Against Human Trafficking” initiated by Belarus. I am certain that Your Excellency’s visit will provide renewed impetus for our countries to forge even closer relations. 

        Our economic relations have grown since the conclusion and entry into force of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement in May 2000. The signing of the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement will provide a stronger framework for economic cooperation and help promote greater trade and investment between our countries. The signing of the agreement on the mutual waiver of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports is a good first step to promote more frequent exchanges between our officials and peoples.

        Today, there are three Belarusian companies in Singapore, namely JSC Belarusian Potash Company, BelAZ and Beltyre. I hope that with Your Excellency’s visit, Belarus’ businessmen will witness for themselves the economic dynamism of the Southeast Asian region and see the myriad commercial opportunities available here. Singapore has traditionally been a gateway to the region, and we will be happy to share our knowledge.

        It is my belief that there is much untapped potential in our economic relations. Belarus’ economy has doubled in size over the last ten years, an achievement given the uncertain global economic outlook. Our officials also had a first-hand glimpse of the opportunities available when they participated in the 7th Belarus Investment Forum in Minsk in November last year. The Belarus-Singapore Business Forum, which will be held tomorrow in conjunction with Your Excellency’s visit, will help to create even greater awareness of the opportunities available in Belarus.

        Beyond political and economic cooperation, I believe that there is potential for our countries to work more closely together in various areas. Belarusian universities and research institutes are well-regarded for their scientific and technological capabilities, and offer possibilities for research and development cooperation. There is also potential for cultural cooperation, given Belarus’ rich tradition in culture and the arts, in particular music and dance. The opening of the Little Dance Academy by a former Belarusian ballet dancer in February last year has enriched the arts scene in Singapore. We look forward to more of such initiatives.

        Looking ahead, I am confident that there is much scope for our two countries to leverage on the good relations we already enjoy, and work together for the mutual benefit of our peoples. Your Excellency’s State Visit will do much to raise awareness of the potential for collaborations with Belarus across different areas.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

May I invite you all to rise and join me in a toast to:

• The continued good health and success of His Excellency President Aleksandr Lukashenko; and

• The enduring friendship between the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Singapore.