Events

MINSK, 14 December (BelTA) - Some Lithuanian politicians and heads of government agencies have made statements about the undesirability of cooperation with Belarus, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Lithuania Alexander Korol said in an interview with the Litovsky Kuryer (Lithuanian courier) newspaper, BelTA has learned.

“As far as I know, Belarusian enterprises are satisfied with the conditions of work and relations with the Klaipeda sea port. However, it is with sadness that we have heard the statements by some Lithuanian politicians and officials about the undesirability of cooperation with Belarus and the recommendations ‘to select business partners and suppliers more carefully ’. Perhaps some are not satisfied with our enterprises and they do not want to see them in the port or do not want to acknowledge their contribution to the overall achievements?” the ambassador asked a rhetorical question.

He added that the Belarusian enterprises also hear such recommendations, and they have legitimate questions as to how durable the relations with their partners can be given such statements and attitudes. “I think time will put everything in its place,” the Ambassador said.

In general, the diplomat noted that the transshipment of cargo through the port of Klaipeda demonstrates positive dynamics. Some 40.14 million tonnes were transshipped through th eport in 2016. This is the best ever result for the port. “This year we expect the news about a possible new record. We are proud to note that we have made a solid and very significant contribution to these achievements as the share of our goods has been consistently over 30% for the past five years,” he said.

Speaking about the possibility of redirecting Belarusian goods to other ports, Ambassador Alexander Korol stressed that this is a purely economic issue. “In the field of transport and logistics there is tough competition for clients. Our company regularly receives interesting proposals. They come from Latvia, and from Russian ports. Therefore, the attitude of a service provider to his client, the terms which he offers, the extent of his interest in cooperation and so on are of prime importance here,” the diplomat said.