Business news

MINSK, 9 March (BelTA) – Belarus is ready to cooperate with Uralkali but interests of the country must be secured. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the relevant statement upon receiving a report on certain aspects of operation of Belarusian Potash Company, BelTA has learned.

Director General of Belarusian Potash Company Yelena Kudryavets, Director General of the Belarusian potassium mining company Belaruskali Ivan Golovaty and Chairman of the Belarusian state petrochemical concern Belneftekhim Igor Lyashenko were invited to meet with the head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko said that representatives of the Russian side had contacted him more than once with requests to resume cooperation in making and selling fertilizers together with Belaruskali. It was noted that cooperation between Belaruskali and Uralkali was severed several years ago. “They see now that business is difficult and it is hard to work alone. More than that. They can see that we can endure. New management suggests resuming Belaruskali-Uralkali cooperation,” explained the President.

The head of state previously gave instructions to consider possible ways of Belaruskali-Uralkali cooperation. “But Belarus’ interests must be secured by 200% instead of 100%. We are fed up with working together. If we intend to work together, we should do it from Belarus’ territory after reaching an honest and clear agreement on all matters. We should use this approach to act. We will not make concessions but we are ready for compromises. But these compromises must be mutually beneficial,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko.

The head of state reminded that guidelines for the operation of Belaruskali and Belarusian Potash Company had been determined previously. “Everything has to be done honestly and objectively. If we start working together, it means we should come to terms with them, sign a contract, and act. If we see that we are not interested in it, then we should stay out of it. We will continue working as we do now,” said the head of state.