On October 3, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, during a meeting with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov, stated that Belarus and Azerbaijan are not aligned against third countries but engage in cooperation for the benefit of their peoples. 

Despite various international challenges, Lukashenko emphasized the absence of closed topics between the two nations and underscored the strong relationship between Belarus and Azerbaijan, particularly with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. "We do not violate any norms of international law, we are not friends against third countries, we do our job for the sake of our peoples," Lukashenko stated.

The Belarusian president highlighted that warm relations have existed between the two countries since the leadership of Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan, saying, "We were very friendly, we always found mutual understanding and support." He added that he often expresses gratitude to Ilham Aliyev for preserving the level of relations his father established. Lukashenko welcomed Asadov, describing him as a close person representing a close country and noting that Azerbaijan is among Belarus's closest allies, along with Russia.

Lukashenko also stressed the importance of implementing the agreements made during his state visit to Azerbaijan in May 2024. He mentioned that he had discussed these agreements with Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, focusing on accelerating economic cooperation. Lukashenko emphasized, "The only thing he said: ‘It should be faster.’ If we find an opportunity to speed up, we will definitely speed up."

The president also acknowledged the mutual support between Belarus and Azerbaijan on international platforms, stating, "We support each other, have supported and will continue to support each other." Lukashenko expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan's support and reiterated his country's willingness to assist Azerbaijan in any way possible. "It has been so far, it will continue to be so. I am sure Azerbaijan will do everything it can for us," he emphasized.

In response, Ali Asadov thanked Lukashenko for the meeting and conveyed greetings from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Asadov highlighted the historical friendship between the two nations and the significance President Aliyev places on these relations. "We, members of the governments, are obliged and with great pleasure to fulfill the assignment that our leaders have set before us," Asadov stated.

Asadov also recalled the tasks the heads of state set during Lukashenko's visit to Azerbaijan in May, which now serve as a roadmap for joint work. He noted that he had arrived in Belarus with a large delegation. Additionally, Asadov extended an invitation on behalf of President Aliyev for Lukashenko to attend the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), scheduled to take place in Baku in November. "We attach special importance to your personal participation, which will give this conference a special status," Asadov emphasized.

Lukashenko responded positively, stating, "Since Ilham says so, we will."