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By Trend

The relationship between Azerbaijan and Belarus is a model of relationship between a Christian state and a Muslim one, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said on March 1 answering a question from Trend at a meeting with representatives of public and expert community, Belarusian and foreign media.

Lukashenko noted that there are no problems between the two countries.

“One phone call from Ilham Heydarovich to me, one phone call from me to him – and all the issues are solved,” said the head of the Belarusian state.

Lukashenko further spoke about his good, friendly relations with the national leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev.

“I was a young president, while he was venerable, experienced. When I was delivering lectures, I cited Heydar Aliyev as an example. He was the most honest of the leaders of the Soviet Union. And we somehow formed very friendly relations,” said the president.

“Ilham Aliyev and I have absolutely no problems, although he was in GUAM. He had obligations when the EU and America imposed sanctions on us. We were under sanctions. He did not keep silent anywhere and defended Belarus, supporting exactly like Georgia’s Saakashvili. I don’t know if you like it or not, but he was downright battling for Belarus. He persuaded everyone in the EU, in America: ‘You don’t know Belarus; you don’t know the president of Belarus. Why do you put pressure on them, roll them, and so on and so forth.’ Well, such are our relations on diplomatic, political issues,” he said.

As for the economy, Lukashenko expressed regret that Belarus cannot buy oil from Azerbaijan, as there is no corresponding logistics.

"But Azerbaijan has something to trade with us. Azerbaijan is a very rich country," he added.

Lukashenko noted that Belarus is creating a joint production in Azerbaijan, helping the country in petrochemistry and oil refining.

The Belarus president also added that the two countries are cooperating in the military-industrial complex, despite criticism from Armenia.

"I know the attitude of Azerbaijanis towards Belarusians. Can’t ask for anything better. Our relations will live on as such, God willing. They treat us like brothers, even though we are Orthodox Christians and you are Muslims. It doesn’t bother us. This is a model of a relationship between a Christian state and a Muslim one. And, generally speaking, I consider myself lucky: Muslims treat both me and Belarus all over the world as very, very dear people, and help very often," Lukashenko concluded.

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