May 23, 2006 - 13:32 AMT
Lukashenko Thanks Armenia for Support to Belarus at International Arena
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko appreciated the contribution of Armenian Ambassador to Belarus Suren Harutyunyan in development of bilateral Belarus-Armenian relations, reports the web-site of the Armenian Embassy in Belarus. During his meeting with Suren Harutyunyan on the occasion of the latter completing his diplomatic mission, the Belarus President noted, «You are not only an Ambassador of a friendly country, you are our friend. I never remember you being silent, to say nothing of speaking negatively about our country. You rooted for Belarus.»

Lukashenko underscored that Suren Harutyunyan took the office seven years ago, starting from nothing literally - in the diplomatic, political and economic fields. In his words, «the way for development of close bilateral contacts is already paved.» The Belarus President hoped that Suren Harutyunyan's successor will continue his line of strengthening bilateral relations. Lukashenko thanked Armenia for supporting Belarus at international arena, "We feel your help and support in international organizations. Armenia always helped us as a friendly state."

In his turn the Armenian Ambassador remarked that the support of the Belarus President, Government was a major one for pursuing the line of strengthening mutually beneficial bilateral relations. «Having worked in Belarus for 7 years, I always spoke in support of its interests. There was no single case for me to hesitate regarding your country and the President,» the diplomat said. Suren Harutyunyan presented his latest book named «People, Years, Life» to President Lukashenko.