News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 11 October (BelTA) – Belarus hopes to open a new page in the relations with the United Kingdom, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Prince Michael of Kent, a member of the British royal family, on 11 October, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that Belarus and the United Kingdom do not have insurmountable issues in the interstate relations. “Frankly speaking, the United Kingdom, perhaps, was not very much interested in the situation in Belarus, and, most likely, followed the policy of Brussels,” the head of state said. “I hope that your visit will open a new page in our relations, and that you will provide information about Belarus to the politicians and businessmen who show an interest in Belarus.”

“We strongly hope that our relations with the United Kingdom will be improving. We have a huge interest in trade,” the President said.

He remarked that the United Kingdom is one of Belarus’ top trading and investment partners. “This is a good foundation for further cooperation. I want you to know that we honestly and sincerely welcome your business in Belarus,” the head of state said.

The President added that Belarus does not have any restrictions and obligations impeding the development of trade and cooperation in various fields with the United Kingdom.

Alexander Lukashenko also thanked for the assistance and charity projects initiated by the United Kingdom for the children from the Chernobyl-affected territories. “You offered us a helping hand and helped thousands of children to improve their health. We are grateful to you for this,” the Belarusian leader remarked.

Prince Michael of Kent, for his part, thanked for the warm welcome and noted that it is a great pleasure for him to be in Belarus. He emphasized that he is the first representative of the British royal family visiting Belarus.

In his words, road security is one of the main issues on the agenda of his visit. The Prince agreed that it is essential to develop and improve Belarus-UK relations.

Prince Michael of Kent has been a businessman and benefactor since 1981. He runs a consulting company operating in various countries and providing a wide range of services in the construction industry, telecommunications, insurance, finance, tourism, medicine, aviation, and automobile manufacturing.

In 2015, the United Kingdom was among the top three trading partners of Belarus behind Russia and Ukraine. Belarus’ export to the United Kingdom made up $2.98 billion, the import reached $176.2 million.

The investments in the Belarusian economy totaled $2.34 billion last year. Direct investments made up $2.19 billion, including $44.5 million on a net basis.

A total of 422 companies with the UK capital have been registered in Belarus. There are two subjects of the Belarusian commodity distribution network in the United Kingdom. These are ВNK UK Ltd (an affiliated company of ZAO Belarusian Oil Company) and the office of the Belavia air carrier. The office of the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus was opened in London in December 2015.

The United Kingdom provides comprehensive humanitarian aid to Belarus. In the United Kingdom there are more than 100 social and humanitarian organizations helping Belarus mitigate the Chernobyl impact.