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Lukashenko: Belarus’ cooperation with Russia was never on agenda of talks with US
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MINSK, 18 December (BelTA) – The United States of America has never raised the issue of Belarus’ cooperation with Russia, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he delivered the address to the Belarusian people and Parliament in Minsk on 18 December, BelTA has learned.
“Never, except during the first meeting, have they raised the issue of Russia. I told them directly: cooperation with Russia is off limits, they are our kin people. But still, they talk and talk, and I ask them: 'Guys, will you replace Russia for Belarus tomorrow?’ - 'No.' -'Then what is there to talk about?' We have one anchor and hope for preserving our sovereignty and independence ad this is our closest of kin, the Russian people, who help us in everything,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.
He emphasized that he has adhered to this policy since the first days of his presidency, despite criticism even within Russia itself.
“I have always operated on the principle that we must be together. Putin, Lukashenko... People come and go, but countries and peoples remain forever. As long as I am president, we will not retreat from this policy. They are our closest friends,” the head of state is convinced.
He also noted the contribution of Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the development of the Belarusian economy, especially during the sanctions period. “If it weren't for these two countries, we would have had a very hard time, and we would always remember that we are under sanctions. They helped us greatly; we must understand this,” the Belarusian leader added.
The self-exiled opposition, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, proposes to abandon cooperation with Russia and connect to Europe's energy system. The president recalled that the Baltic states chose this path, which led to an immediate surge in electricity prices.
According to the head of state, Belarus’ close relations with Russia are based on far more than just cheap energy. “We don't talk much about this, but we don't support that 'accounting' that some in the Russian government sometimes throw at us: 'we give you this, we give you that.' We don't say everything we do for Russians. If I started listing it, I don't know whose side the bill would be on. But President Putin and I have clearly agreed: we help each other. Whether we're called aggressors, co-aggressors… Whatever they say about us doesn't matter. We must see the interests of our own people. Cherish this friendship. God forbid we give way in some things and fall for those foreign promises. Then the death of our state will begin," the president stated.
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