Alexander Lukashenko: Russia remains Belarus’ major strategic ally
MINSK, June 25 (BelTA) – The Russian Federation is and has always been Belarus’ major strategic ally, said President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko as he met with Rostov Oblast Governor Vladimir Chub on June 25, BelTA learnt from the presidential press service.
The cooperation with Russian regions is an important area of Belarus-Russia relations. In 2008, the trade between Belarus and the Rostov oblast of Russia made up $376.4 million, up 28.4% from 2007 (17th place among regions of the Russian Federation). The export reached $222.5 million or up 24.1%. Belarus posted a surplus in trade at the amount of $68.6 million.
The negotiations featured the expansion of the bilateral cooperation, the development of industrial cooperation, supplies of Belarusian agricultural machinery to the Rostov oblast. Alexander Lukashenko shared his view of the most topical issues of the bilateral relations.
According to Alexander Lukashenko,
Belarus has no unresolved problems with Russia. “Despite all the gas, oil, milk and other scandals we always remain open to Russia, to Russian people”, the Belarusian leader said.
The President remarked that the bilateral trade is negatively affected by multiple limitations and restrictions introduced by the Russian side. “They run contrary to our agreements and actually worsen consequences of the world crisis both for the Belarusian and Russian economies,” he said.
