Thani Al Zeyoudi attends inauguration of 'International Exhibition Centre' in Minsk
8 May 2025 17:49
MINSK (WAM) Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, accompanied by Ibrahim Salem Al Musharrakh, UAE Ambassador to Belarus, attended the inauguration of the International Exhibition Centre in Minsk, which was inaugurated by Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus.Dr. Al Zeyoudi, conveyed the greetings of the UAE's leadership to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, wishing his government and nation further prosperity and progress.Al Zeyoudi also engaged in productive discussions about non-oil trade and investment flows with Prime Minister Alexander Turchin and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov.The visit highlights the growing economic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Belarus, which has witnessed significant growth in recent years.During talks with Prime Minister Turchin, Al Zeyoudi highlighted the significant growth of non-oil trade between the UAE and Belarus, which surged by 483 percent from 2023 to 2024, reaching an all-time high of $3.9 billion. This substantial increase can be attributed to the UAE's economic partnership agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which has created new avenues for collaboration and investment between the UAE and Belarus, along with the other members of the economic bloc, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia.The newly inaugurated International Exhibition Centre is a key feature in Belarus's 'Northern Shore' development project, designed to enhance the country's cultural and economic potential.Spanning an impressive 37,000 square metres, the centre features a versatile open-air exhibition area of over 14,000 square metres, equipped to accommodate events of all sizes. Its innovative design and flexibility make it an ideal venue for a variety of business and entertainment events, from international exhibitions to national congresses and specialised forums.During the meeting, Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to fostering closer economic ties with Belarus, expressing optimism about the potential for increased non-oil trade flows and investment opportunities in both countries.Al Zeyoudi stated, 'The UAE is keen to explore new avenues for collaboration that will benefit both our economies. The exceptional growth in our non-oil trade relationship is a testament to the strength of our partnership, and I look forward to further enhancing these ties over the coming years.'The discussions also highlighted the importance of in-person meetings in building mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations, setting the stage for future collaborations in various sectors, including technology, infrastructure, and trade.As the UAE continues to strengthen its global trade partnerships through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme, this visit aligns with its objective of expanding collaboration and enhancing bilateral relations with high-growth economies and regions around the world.
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