From Polonez rocket systems to European Games: Lukashenka-Aliyev 'most cordial' relations
Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev, one of most frequent foreign visitors to Lukashenka’s residence, has arrived in Belarus on Monday. What is behind these interstate relations – economy issues or something more?
The two leaders have much in common. Alyaksandr Lukashenka has been ruling Belarus with his iron hand since 1994; in Azerbaijan, the recent transition happened in 2003, but in fact, the presidency ‘descended’ to the incumbent after the death of his father Heydar Aliyev who became president in 1993.
Holding referendums to strengthen the hand of president comes as no surprise in both Azerbaijan (2016) and Belarus (2004). Two years ago, the president’s term was extended, age limits for a country leader were abolished, posts of vice-president and first vice-president were introduced. In addition, the head of state became entitled to dissolve the parliament and conduct early presidential elections. And the citizens got the right to be elected to parliament at the age of 18.
Ilham Aliyev managed to take advantage of the results of the referendum in 2017, when he settled the date of the re-election six months earlier than it was to have been held, and he was re-elected to another term which the 2016 referendum had increased to seven years. These amendments open up new possibilities for his son Heydar who was born in 1997 – the young man may take a seat as an MP and even become president, if such a need arises. Their story is somewhat reminiscent of the situation in Belarus: for years, there have been rumours about Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s transferring his power to his youngest son Mikalai in the future.
Other relatives of the leaders are also not deprived of powers and authorities. For example, a new post of first vice-president who may replace the Azerbaijani president – should anything happen – is taken by Aliyev’s wife, Mehriban Aliyeva. In turn, since 2005, Viktar Lukashenka has been Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. That same year, Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s middle son Dzmitry took the helm of the President’s Sports Club.
In general, if compared to other post-Soviet leaders, it is Ilham Aliyev whom Lukashenka has the ‘most cordial’ relations with, Belarusian political scientist Alyaksandr Fyaduta believes. In his opinion, the reason is mutual liking, not only the resemblance of tempers and instruments of power.
According to the expert, Baku is the only post-Soviet country Minsk has never had any conflicts or issues with. Moreover, the Azerbaijani president has repeatedly supported his Belarusian counterpart in ‘rather sensitive situations’, e.g. in settling loan repayments to Russia and negotiating deliveries of Azerbaijani oil to Belarus during the Moscow-Minsk crisis in 2010.
“Lukashenka remembers such things and knows how to be grateful for them,” Fyaduta added.
Perhaps, Minsk’s hosting the 2nd European Games will be such for of acknowledgment. Interestingly, for the first time it took place in 2015 in Baku; it was started rolling by Ilham Aliyev who definitely wants it to run and run. However, holding the event will cost Belarusians $30-40 mln – that is the price for Lukashenka’s kindness and gratitude.
