Aliaksandr Lukashenka said he is ready to attract workers from Uzbekistan to Belarus. He made the remarks while greeting members of the Uzbek delegation during the official welcoming ceremony for Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who arrived in Minsk on an official visit.
Mirziyoyev introduced Lukashenka to members of his delegation, with each exchange followed by a brief conversation. The ceremony was broadcast by BelTA and First News.
When it was the turn of the culture minister, Lukashenka recalled a recent concert by Uzbek performers.
“People received it very warmly. I always say that Uzbeks are well liked here. Before Pakistanis… I want your people to come here with their families. In agriculture, as I keep telling the president, we provide housing,” Lukashenka said.
“They even provide housing,” Mirziyoyev interjected.
“Free education, healthcare — everything is free, on the same terms as for our Belarusians. In the cities, you may have to wait a little for housing, but you will get it. We need people, and preferably from Uzbekistan. They are very good people,” Lukashenka continued.
“Yesterday he (the culture minister — Reform.news note) proudly told me that people here treat us so warmly. But I have seen it for myself. I keep telling you that you must understand this and tell your people. Our friendship goes back centuries. We are close peoples and strive to become even closer to one another. Culture will unite us. We are very similar,” Mirziyoyev said.
“They are incredibly hardworking. We need to learn from you,” Lukashenka replied.
It should be noted that Uzbek businesses are already implementing agricultural projects in Belarus. Uzbek companies have obtained an agricultural asset in the Shumilina district and 4,000 hectares of land under a long-term lease. A cattle farming project is currently being developed there. There are also plans to establish beef production in the Liozna, Dokshytsy and Haradok districts, as well as other areas.
