Belarusian foreign minister in Nicaragua to foster relations

July 19, BPN. Belarus has sent a delegation led by Foreign Minister Siarhiej Alejnik to Nicaragua to celebrate the 44th anniversary of the Sandinista People’s Revolution, according to a tweet from Laureano Ortega Murillo, the son and adviser of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.

Ortega Murillo thanked Alaksandar Łukašenka for sending the “important delegation” to the event, which marks the overthrow of dictator Anastasio Somoza in 1979.

Alejnik said he planned to hold talks with Nicaraguan officials on a wide range of issues to strengthen the “truly friendly relations” between the two countries, according to a website dedicated to the anniversary.

Nicaragua, a staunch ally of Belarus and Russia on the international stage, often rejects UN resolutions that criticize their policies.

Trade between Nicaragua and Belarus is negligible, with Belarusian exports accounting for most of the $1.2 million in bilateral trade in 2021, according to data from the Belarusian Embassy in Cuba, which also represents the country in Nicaragua.

Łukašenka, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist for 29 years, has praised Ortega’s political activities. The Nicaraguan leader, who returned to power in 2007, has faced international condemnation for cracking down on his opponents.

Two months ago, Alejnik and Ortega’s Foreign Minister Denis Moncado Colindres met in Minsk and expressed their shared principles and approaches in foreign policy, such as equality, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

And yesterday, Łukašenka approved a draft agreement to abolish visa requirements between Belarus and Nicaragua and authorized the foreign ministry to negotiate and sign the deal.