Belarus, like Russia, sees more prospects for itself in Eastern bloc

The Belarusian leader has repeatedly proven that Minsk will find a common language with all partners who are focused on development and equal dialogue. Geographical distance, different cultural traditions, religions, and languages are not an obstacle to moving towards each other. There would just have to be desire and mutual respect. The results of visits to Oman and the United Arab Emirates are further confirmation of this and, of course, not the last.

Despite geopolitical instability, the crisis in international trade and complex logistics, relations between Belarus and the Gulf countries continue to develop successfully.

How is the level and range of agreements reached assessed?

Farhad Ibragimov, a Russian political scientist and lecturer at the RUDN University Department of Economics:

According to him, Belarus, like Russia, has been turning to the East in the last few years because international relations are not developing this way due to the fault of Belarus and Russia. The degradation of the West only leads to certain difficulties and troubles. "Belarus, like Russia, sees more prospects for itself in the Eastern bloc, with the countries of the Global South, than in the West, he believes. - Belarus has already become a member of the SCO, is joining BRICS (as a result of the 2024 summit, it became a partner country). And at the same time, Belarus is one of the most important members of the Eurasian Union. The Republic of Belarus is such a link within these organizations and the EAEU with those countries that show increased interest in non-Western blocs, non-Western alliances and organizations. Therefore, it is very important for Belarus to develop its bilateral contacts with the Global South. And the countries of the Middle East fit perfectly into the configuration of Minsk's foreign policy program."

The Emirates and Oman can offer oil products for Belarus, what Belarus needs, and Belarus can send products of the agro-industrial complex, agriculture and medical purposes, the expert believes.

In his opinion, the Middle Eastern countries have an increased interest in Belarus. "Belarus is a responsible member of the Eurasian Union, and the Middle East countries are showing interest in this union. This does not mean that they will fully join it, no, but they want to be at the level of partners. For example, they look at Iran, which is on the other side of the Persian Gulf, they see that Iran is showing interest in the EAEU, and they think that they are no worse and could also demonstrate themselves within the framework of this union, and could also offer something to this union. And here Belarus can act as a link with the help of which it would be possible to establish bilateral contacts.