Belarus’ envoy discusses high-level contacts with South Africa

December 22, Pozirk. Ihar Bieły, the Belarusian ambassador to South Africa, handed copies of his credentials to Lyn de Jong of the South African foreign ministry, the press office of the Belarusian foreign ministry reports.

The diplomats confirmed mutual interest in promoting bilateral cooperation and discussed the schedule of “upcoming high-level contacts,” it added. 

Alvin Botes, South Africa’s deputy minister of international relations and cooperation, visited Minsk last week to participate in bilateral political consultations.

His visit was seen as yet another step by Minsk to boost ties with African countries to mitigate the effect of international sanctions.

Alaksandar Łukašenka visited Equatorial Guinea on December 9, and Kenya, on December 10.

In April, the Belarusian ruler invited South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa to visit Minsk.