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Lukashenko explains Belarusian multiple-vector policy

MINSK, 26 May (BelTA) – The Belarusian state will continue pursuing a multiple-vector policy but the policy is not limited to building relations with the East and the West. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement as he met with parliamentarians, members of the Constitutional Commission, and representatives of government bodies on 26 May, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “You remember our thesis: our multiple-vector policy stems from economic interests. We are an export-oriented country and we have no other way out. We sell much more than we consume out of what we make. This is why our economy necessitates a multiple-vector policy.”

At the same time Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that some people sometimes misunderstand what the multiple-vector policy is and say that one vector goes to the West and another one to the East. “The multiple-vector policy is the ability of the state to act in any direction,” he noted. “We are dedicated to this multiple-vector principle due to our economic situation, our economic policy. If they are trying to curtail the western vector through no fault of our own, well… Our main partner is in the East, the brotherly country of Russia. Belarus’ trade with the People’s Republic of China grows very seriously. We are now working on very serious directions of cooperation with India. There is an interest in many things, post-Soviet space…”

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that Belarus has always wanted to build good relations with the European Union just like with its neighbor. Russia supported Belarus in this matter. “This is why one shouldn’t shout that we courted someone. We saw and know where we have friends and where we don’t,” he added. “Our foreign policy has multiple vectors and it does not mean it is between the East and the West. It explores all directions where we have economic interests.”

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