Mr. Alexander V Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarushosted today (June 3, 2015) a Luncheon Banquetin honour of President Pranab Mukherjee in Minsk.

In a banquet speech, President Mukherjee saidsince emergence of Belarus as an independent nation in 1991, India and Belarus have successfully developed their relationship based on friendship and mutual benefit. The two countries share common approaches to international issues. Cooperation between India and Belarus in the United Nations and other multilateral fora, including in the Non-Aligned Movement has been close and fruitful. This should continue. India deeply appreciates Belarus’ unequivocalendorsement of India's rightful claim to permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. India is also happy that Belarus supported India’s proposal to declareJune 21as International Day of Yoga in the United Nations General Assembly.

The President expressed confidence that the discussions and various events being held in conjunction with his visit, would take India-Belarus relations to even greater heights. He reiterated that India remains committed to a deeper and more diversified relationship with Belarus.

This release issued at 1600 hrs.