Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarus President, who is on a two-day visit to Belgrade, said he was happy for being in Serbia after 20 years, and thanked his counterpart Aleksandar Vucic for the invitation, adding his stay in the country during the 1999 NATO bombing was “a visit to brothers and friends,” the Beta news agency reported.

The two presidents witnessed the signing of many contracts in the area of the judiciary, science, education, innovation, as well as the agreements on cooperation between the post offices and banks.

 “We are your people, and you are ours. Many tried to alienate us, but we fulfilled our plans. After 20 years we meet again at the complicated time,” Lukashenko said, adding “Serbia is a beautiful country, with no match in the Balkans, Europe and the world.”

Vucic said he was happy with Lukashenko’s visit and that his stay “during the bombing will bever be forgotten.”    

“Serbs like Belarus and we respect all you have done with your great country, and we want to preserve our good relations. Our political relationship is honest and open,” Vucic added.

He said the trade exchange was on the rise and that “many can be done for it to reach 500 million dollars per year.”