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Tangible assistance from Russia, China in difficult times for Belarus noted

MINSK, 17 November (BelTA) - Belarus received tangible assistance from its traditional allies Russia and China during this difficult time, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the meeting to discuss the topical issues of Belarus’ foreign policy, BelTA has learned.

"At a time of the unprecedented external pressure, Belarus has received wide-ranging support from its traditional allies. We have received the most tangible assistance and support during this difficult time from Russia, China and other countries. Thus, we once again made sure that a friend in need is a friend indeed," the head of state said.

The president also outlined topical issues on the agenda of the meeting. Aleksandr Lukashenko asked how relations with Russia and China will be built further, how the agreements reached following the high highest-level meeting and the visits of the leadership of the Russian regions to Belarus this year are implemented.

Recently some media outlets, in particular Russian ones, have been critical of Belarus for its multi-vector policy, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted. "I am surprised and do not quite understand why some forces in the Russian Federation are against our multi-vector policy? We would like to hear their grievances in this regard? After all, we have made it clear that our closest ally, our kindred country and people are Russia and the Russians. Once again, we have never turned our backs on Russia. Never," the president said. He recalled that the relations with Russia never disrupted, even during the times of economic disputes. "What have we done wrong? If they see our multi-vector policy as, I quote, ‘Belarus turning away from Russia’, then they are wrong,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Today, half of our exports are sold in foreign markets away from us and from Russia. We need to provide political, diplomatic support to this economic vector. This is what our multi-vector policy is about. It's an axiom. Any state pursues such a policy,” the Belarusian leader said.

“We have to pursue a multi-vector policy because we are in the center of Europe, we are an independent sovereign state and this is what our economy, well-being of our people dictate us to do,” he said.

The president instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government to communicate this point of view to the foreign partners of Belarus.

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