Belarusian President thanks His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for his efforts to release a Belarusian citizen in Libya.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has received a message from President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus thanking him for his significant role in the release of Belarusian citizen, Vyachaslau Kachura, who was forcibly held by a Libyan armed group since August 2011.

In his name and on behalf of the people of Belarus, President Lukashenko expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for his support and efforts to release the Belarusian citizen.

Expressing sincere gratitude for assistance, President Lukashenko said in his letter, "This act of good will of Your Highness is a bright example of the commitment of the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates to the values of humanism and justice. It deserves profound respect.

"What you have done for our citizen is much more than just helping him restore his lost right to freedom. You gave him an opportunity to see his family and friends after many years of separation, you helped him regain confidence in the future."

Lukashenko assured that Belarus is a reliable partner of the UAE and values the relations of friendship and trust between the two countries. "We will be always happy to give a helping hand to Emirati people if necessary," the head of state added.

Kachura arrived in Libya in June 2011 with a group of international experts from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. In August 2011, they were detained by an armed group.

Vyachesav Kachura returned home on 2nd February thanks to relentless efforts led by the UAE with the Libyan crisis parties as part of its mediation and reconciliation initiatives to find a political and peaceful solution to the crisis in Libya, consistent with Abu Dhabi's firm stance in support of Libya's independence, unity, stability and the fight against armed terrorist groups that threaten its security and stability.

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