Business news

Lukashenko reveals details of conversation with Potanin: Dangerous to keep U.S. dollars as reserve

BARANOVICHI DISTRICT, 11 September (BelTA) – Considering the current policy of the United States of America, it is dangerous to keep U.S. dollars in the reserve. Investing them in concrete projects is a better option. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement as he shared details of a recent meeting with the Russian businessman Vladimir Potanin, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “The richest person in Russia. He is ready to invest. The only thing we discussed theoretically is who needs U.S. dollars these days. Today Belarusians and other ones see it. Nobody needs them already.”

The head of state mentioned Russia as an example. Russia is a nuclear power and still the West has blocked hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars in the foreign exchange reserves. “You can imagine what will happen to… May the Emirates forgive me. They are our friends. They have approximately one trillion. What are they going to do with these dollars?” the Belarusian leader wondered. “Everyone sees the financial policy the USA pursues. It is dangerous to keep the U.S. dollars in the reserve,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“[Vladimir Potanin] said he understands it and is ready to invest,” the head of state shared the details.

The president recalled that Vladimir Potanin’s companies need quarry vehicles, mining vehicles, including unmanned vehicles. And Belarus is ready to cooperate in this field as well as in humanitarian affairs: “There are Potanin’s scholarships. We don’t mind investments, assistance with education and culture. There is a Potanin foundation. He is ready to provide financing.”

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the conversation previously held with another major Russian entrepreneur Dmitry Mazepin proceeded in the same manner.

The head of state also pointed out that both businessmen have Belarusian roots while Dmitry Mazepin’s mother still lives in Belarus.

“In other words, there is this friendly and kind attitude and a desire to invest in some projects. In order to build a factory somewhere and something else somewhere else. He and I will think about in what specific fields we will cooperate. But the question focused on investments,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said while talking about the meeting with Vladimir Potanin.

The president remarked that during the conversation they agreed that sanctions represent primarily a time of opportunities when one should work harder and get down to business.