BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

10/12/2007

Belarusian President Says Venezuela Is "Strategic Partner"

During an official visit to Venezuela on December 7 and 8, President Alyaksandr Lukashenka said that Venezuela is one of Belarus's most consistent political allies and economic partners, Belapan reported. "We can say that cooperation between our countries has reached the level of strategic partnership," Lukashenka said during a meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart, Hugo Chavez. Chavez accused Washington of creating obstacles for the Venezuelan and Belarusian governments, seeking to suppress freedom of thought, imposing "neoliberalism," and trying to prevent the presidents of both countries from carrying out social projects. Lukashenka and Chavez signed an agreement on military technical cooperation and attended the signing of agreements on the development of trade and economic relations; avoidance of double taxation; prevention of income and property tax evasion; mutual protection and encouragement of investments; cooperation in crime prevention, education, and scientific research; visa-free travel; and cooperation in the cultural sphere. AM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2007/12/3-cee/cee-101207.asp