Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is the invited guest of China's "September 3 military parade". As a close friend of Russia, Lukashenko will attend this important event with Putin. And Lukashenko has always been a kind person.Therefore, he will not come to China empty-handed, but will bring a special gift.
According to the Belarusian News Agency, on August 28, local time, Lukashenko said when inspecting a farm in Mogilev Oblast that he would participate in China's "September 3 Military Parade" on time, and that he would also bring a few sacks of potatoes and give them to leaders of various countries participating in the event.
Lukashenko said that these sacks of potatoes will be packaged in linen bags, filled with all kinds of high-quality potatoes, and given as gifts to dignitaries and guests from all over the world on the spot.
Belarus is a traditional potato growing country. According to historical records, Belarus introduced potato cultivation through Poland and Lithuania in 1790. After potatoes were introduced to Belarus, they were quickly accepted by Belarusian farmers because of their high yield, strong adaptability and high nutritional value.
Potatoes can grow well in the poor sandy and acidic soils of Belarus, quickly becoming an important crop in response to food shortages and famine in Belarus.Belarus affectionately calls potatoes "the second bread."
Now, the potato cultivation area in Belarus exceeds 200,000 hectares.The annual potato production ranges from 6 million to 8 million tons.Its high-quality varieties such as "Lasveta", "Scab" and "Ghedra", which have been grown over the years, are exported to several countries in the world, including Russia, China, India, Egypt and other dozens of countries, high-quality potato seeds are from Belarus.
Belarus is both the country with the highest potato production in the world and one of the countries with the highest potato consumption in the world.According to statistics, each person in Belarus eats an average of about 320 kilograms of potatoes a year, sometimes even up to 360 kilograms.Belarus has been studying the way to eat potatoes for four and a half hundred years and has studied at least 1,000 potato recipes, that is, at least 1,000 ways to eat.
According to customs statistics, Belarus is ranked in the top three countries of origin of Chinese potato starch imports, competing with traditional powers such as the Netherlands and Germany, and in some years even became the first major source of imports.Every year, Belarus exports tens of thousands of tons of potato powder to China, worth tens of millions of dollars.
Belarus had a bumper harvest of potatoes this year, which happened to catch up with China's "9.3 military parade" invitation. Two good things collided, and Lukashenko decided to take potatoes to China, so that leaders of various countries could see the quality of Belarusian potatoes on the spot. Although this gift is not expensive, fortunately, "courtesy is light and affection is heavy", which represents a sincerity of Belarus.
Lukashenko took potatoes to Beijing for the "Great Parade", and from his point of view, I personally think he has three ideas:
It is clear that Russian food is sufficient.The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is now inextricable, and there seems to be no hope for Trump's mediation. In the three-year war between Russia and Ukraine, Belarus firmly supports Putin. Belarus's use of potatoes shows that Belarus has sufficient grain reserves, which also proves that although Russia is sanctioned by the West, it has sufficient grain reserves. Russia's logistical support is strong, and this war will not be lost.
The second is to promote Belarusian products on site.The potato harvest in Belarus has been bumper, and it is time to export potatoes again. This military parade is attended by the heads of state or heads of state of 26 countries, which happens to be the best opportunity to discuss potato exports. Lukashenko directly brings the goods to the door for face-to-face sales, which is much better than ordinary advertising. He will definitely target Russia, China and the five Central Asian countries, because these are traditional big customers. At the same time, he will expand to Europe, the Middle East and other countries, hoping to sell potatoes to the whole world.
The third is to express the attitude and sincerity of Belarus.Lukashenko brought potatoes to Beijing, and also wanted to express that Belarus is a peace-loving agricultural country. Belarus is a simple agricultural country, and Lukashenko and the Belarusian people are as simple and authentic as potatoes. Doing so will help establish a good national image, win the respect and support of China and other countries, and expand trade with China and other countries, which is very beneficial to the development of the country.
I have to say that President Lukashenko is really a down-to-earth president. The potatoes he gave were really light gifts and heavy feelings. China accepted this rare kindness.