|
World Jewish News
Economy Becomes Main Direction in the Relationship Between Israel and Belarus
18.05.2009
The economy has become the main direction of relations between Israel and Belarus, as it is the key to development of human and scientific potential, said the Israeli Ambassador to the Republic of Belarus Edward Shapira.
According to E. Shapiro, personal communication is a priority in the activities of the Ambassador of Israel to Belarus, BelaPAN reports.
The diplomat expressed regret that for a long time there had been no direct dialogue between the two peoples, as a result of which the Israelis and Belarusians do not know each other enough.
"Despite all of the opportunities provided by the Internet, this lack of knowledge may be reimbursed only through human contacts," emphasized A. Shapira.
According to him, the lack of close contact gives way to the preservation of ideological cliches and prejudices, misunderstanding and mistrust. The diplomat believes that the peoples of Israel and Belarus have to know more about each other.
And this is not just about the Russian-speaking population of Israel and the Jews of Belarus, who know each other better, but about the rest of the inhabitants of the two countries.
"I would like to contribute to the development of contacts between these segments of the population," said the Ambassador. The greatest potential for expanding contacts represents the economic cooperation, says E. Shapira.
"Under this umbrella there are many other niches. One should take into account the fact that, if diplomacy used to conduct the economy, now the economy in certain circumstances leads the diplomacy.
The economy has become the main focus of our relationship, because it is the key to the development of human and scientific potential," said the diplomat.
According to him, Israel has a high level of development in areas that are priorities for the economy of Belarus.
"The newest technologies and the experience of Israel can improve the quality of Belarusian tourism, heavy engineering and manufacturing of medical equipment,
construction industry and agriculture.
This was stressed by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at the beginning of April, during the presentation of credentials," said E. Shapira.
He noted that the major Israeli companies have shown interest in investment to the Belarusian High-Tech Park, which helps draw attention to Belarus from other Israeli companies as well.
|
|
