OREANDA-NEWS. May 06, 2013. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed Belarus’ big interest in developing cooperation with the countries of Southeast Asia. The head of state made this statement as he met with Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Singapore Halimah Yacob.

“We are actively working in the region, with Singapore and Indonesia in particular, and with the entire Southeast Asia in general. We have big interests there,” the Belarusian head of state said.

“Singapore is a gateway to Southeast Asia, and I hope our cooperation will bring a huge positive effect in the future,” the President of Belarus said.

He also stressed that the March visit of the Belarusian delegation to Singapore was of great importance for the country.

"I recall with great pleasure the visit to Singapore. We really learned a lot there,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

The head of state expressed his belief that the current visit of the Speaker of Parliament to Belarus will further contribute to the development of bilateral relations. Alexander Lukashenko conveyed good wishes to the President and Prime Minister of Singapore on behalf of the Belarusian people and expressed hope that they will also visit Belarus.

For her part, Speaker of Parliament of Singapore Mdm Halimah Yacob drew attention to the fact that Singapore and Belarus have friendly relations, which have been strengthened during the visit of the Belarusian President to Singapore. She stressed that one of the key areas of cooperation between the two countries is economy, and expressed satisfaction that a business forum was held during the visit of the Belarusian delegation to Singapore, and that bilateral agreements and memoranda were signed.