Events

"We need to build a trade and economic framework for our cooperation. We need to find 3 to 4 good and solid cooperation avenues, and this should not be limited to trade only. This is too easy. Having identified these 3 to 4 areas of cooperation and signed specific contracts, we will build up our relations. Today these are 3 to 4 areas of cooperation. Tomorrow, 5 or 6 and so on,” the President said. In his opinion, the two countries should establish joint ventures in any industry both in Serbia and Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko drew attention to the fact that after the signing of the free trade agreement in 2009, the trade between Belarus and Serbia has increased four times and totaled nearly $200 million at the end of 2013. "This is, of course, little compared with other countries. But this is impressive bearing in mind that we had virtually a zero turnover," he said, emphasizing that the main thing is the positive momentum.

“I think that Serbia should not hesitate to explore eastern markets. I understand your fears. I understand your desire to join the European Union. This all can happen tomorrow, but people want to live well today. The main concept, perhaps, for Serbia is to get stabilized economically as soon as possible, because such rate of unemployment that exists in your country is unacceptable for the society. Therefore it is necessary to create production facilities. It is necessary to make sure that young people, when waking up every morning, should know what they will do today, tomorrow and the day after that. They should have a job, some source of income. Otherwise these young people will be looking for a job on the side, and you know what kind of job they can find. The main thing for Serbia is to make sure that people have jobs. We discussed these problems together with your President, your business. We are ready to work towards this goal, if you are ready for this, and I know that you are,” Alexander Lukashenko noted.

Alexander Lukashenko believes that Serbia "must adopt a reasonable stance" in its relations with the West and the East. “Is it bad for the West if Serbia trades with Belarus and Russia, if we have normal friendly relations?” the Belarusian President asked. “I hope that the European Union understands that we have great traditions. There are the aspirations of our peoples for cooperation, including in trade and economy. Therefore there should be no problems in this regard if the European Union has good intentions,” the President noted.

“At the same time, we understand that you, in fact, live in the European Union, you are surrounded by the European community. Well, I do not see anything wrong if you build normal relations with them, not to the detriment of Belarus, Russia, Ukraine and other states. Nothing is wrong with that. Therefore it is not necessary to see things in black and white. You need to pursue a well-balanced policy not to disappoint either the East or the West,” added the head of state.