MINSK,
3
March
(BelTA)
–
Cooperation
with
Zimbabwe
is
important
not
only
because
of
the
country’s
geographic
location,
but
also
because
of
its
role
as
a
gateway
to
establishing
relations
with
other
African
states,
Belarusian
President
Aleksandr
Lukashenko
said
while
approving
the
appointment
of
the
new
Belarusian
ambassador
to
Zimbabwe
on
3
March,
BelTA
has
learned.
“Zimbabwe
is
an
entry
point
into
Africa,
not
just
geographically,
but
also
philosophically,”
the
head
of
state
said,
describing
the
country’s
significance
for
Belarus.
Aleksandr
Lukashenko
stressed
that
Belarus’
most
active
cooperation
in
Africa
is
currently
with
Zimbabwe,
and
this
partnership
is
already
producing
tangible
results.
“We
helped
them
secure
the
necessary
grain
harvest,
although
that
is
probably
only
half
of
what
could
be
possible.
They
have
ensured
their
own
food
security.
Step
by
step,
we
are
moving
forward
in
healthcare,
education,
and
other
areas.
They
are
purchasing
our
machinery,
we
train
their
specialists,
teach
them
how
to
operate
it,
and
transfer
technologies.
They
are
telling
the
whole
of
Africa
about
it,”
he
said.
He
also
emphasized
the
role
of
Zimbabwean
President
Emmerson
Mnangagwa.
“Most
importantly,
President
Mnangagwa,
who
enjoys
authority
in
Africa,
is
our
best
advocate
and
promoter.
All
presidents
listen
to
him,
and
he
says
openly:
the
Belarusians
saved
us,
they
ensured
our
food
security.”
“From
this
point
of
view,
this
is
a
gateway
for
us,”
Aleksandr
Lukashenko
added.
He
cited
cooperation
with
Mozambique
as
an
example:
being
close
to
Zimbabwe
and
seeing
the
results
of
its
interaction
with
Belarus,
Mozambique
also
expressed
interest
in
strengthening
relations.
“They
very
much
want
our
help
as
well,
and
it
is
beneficial
for
us.
It’s
a
coastal
area
with
ports
that
need
to
be
put
in
order.
Zimbabwe,
like
us,
does
not
have
access
to
the
sea,
but
through
Mozambique,
we
can
easily
ship
our
goods
across
Southern
Africa
and
possibly
even
further,”
the
Belarusian
leader
noted.
Addressing
the
new
ambassador,
the
president
clearly
outlined
priorities
for
him:
“You
will
need
to
work
hard
there
and
deliver
results.
I
am
encouraging
our
entrepreneurs,
private
companies,
state
enterprises,
managers
to
go
and
work
there,
and
if
there
are
no
results,
they
will
immediately
tell
me
that
the
ambassador
is
not
the
right
one.”
Regarding
Igor
Marshalov,
who
until
now
headed
the
Belarusian
diplomatic
mission
in
Zimbabwe,
the
head
of
state
said:
“It
seems
it’s
not
really
his
job.
A
young
man.
We
are
not
going
to
lose
anyone.
If
it’s
not
for
him,
if
it’s
not
working
out,
naturally
we
need
to
look
for
another
candidate.
We’ve
found
one.”