Minsk: Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, along with Ibrahim Salem Al Musharrakh, UAE Ambassador to Belarus, attended the inauguration of the International Exhibition Centre in Minsk, officially opened by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Dr. Al Zeyoudi conveyed the greetings of the UAE’s leadership to President Lukashenko, expressing wishes for the prosperity and progress of Belarus.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Zeyoudi engaged in discussions about non-oil trade and investment with Prime Minister Alexander Turchin and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov. The visit underscores the strengthening economic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Belarus, which has seen notable growth in recent years.
During discussions with Prime Minister Turchin, Al Zeyoudi emphasized the remarkable increase in non-oil trade between the UAE and Belarus, which surged by 483 percent from 2023 to 2024, reaching US$3.9 billion. This growth is linked to the UAE’s economic partnership agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), fostering new collaboration and investment opportunities not only with Belarus but also with other EAEU members, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia.
The International Exhibition Centre, a significant element of Belarus’s ‘Northern Shore’ development project, spans 37,000 square metres. It includes a versatile open-air exhibition area of over 14,000 square meters, suitable for a range of events. Its design and adaptability make it ideal for various business and entertainment events, from international exhibitions to national congresses and specialised forums.
Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to enhancing economic ties with Belarus, expressing optimism about potential non-oil trade and investment opportunities. He stated, “The UAE is keen to explore new avenues for collaboration that will benefit both our economies. The exceptional growth in our non-oil trade relationship is a testament to the strength of our partnership, and I look forward to further enhancing these ties over the coming years.”
The discussions highlighted the importance of in-person meetings for building mutual understanding and cooperation, setting the stage for future collaborations in sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and trade. As the UAE continues to expand its global trade partnerships through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme, this visit aligns with its goal of enhancing relations with high-growth economies and regions worldwide.
