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Sir Alan Duncan, Minister for Europe and the Americas, will become the first UK Minister to visit Belarus since its independence. 皇冠体育app visit comes as UK and Belarus celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations.

During his visit the Minister will meet the President of Belarus Aliaksandr Lukashenka and Foreign Minister Uladzimir Makei. He will also have wider discussions with political leaders, civil society and UK alumni.

皇冠体育app Minister鈥檚 visit will allow the UK and Belarus to strengthen relations and explore how we can work together to support security and reduce tensions in the region. Belarus hosts the Minsk Process helping to maintain the ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.

皇冠体育app Minister will also seek to strengthen economic development and prosperity, including through further progress on democratisation and good governance. 皇冠体育app UK is the third largest export destination for Belarus. Belarusian鈥檚 top exports to UK are oil and oil products and main imports from the UK being machinery and beverages.

Speaking ahead of the visit Sir Alan Duncan said:

As the first Minister to visit since Belarus鈥� independence, I am looking forward to strengthening our relationship further and to extending my warmest wishes to the people of Belarus.

Belarus sits at the geographical heart of Europe and has an important role to play in the region and more widely. I look forward to productive discussions with President Lukashenka and Foreign Minister Makei.

We will also discuss ongoing economic, judicial and electoral reforms, which will help boost Belarus鈥檚 prosperity and democracy.

It is my sincere hope that this visit paves the way for a deeper and more productive relationship in the future, based on mutual respect and understanding.

Further information

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