Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 16 July (BelTA) – Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vladimir Andreichenko is very optimistic about trade opportunities between Belarus and Serbia. The Speaker voiced his views as he met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Serbia to Belarus Veljko Kovacevic on 16 July, BelTA has learnt.

Vladimir Andreichenko noted that the bilateral trade was estimated at about $200 million in 2013. “Belarus and Serbia are well-positioned to increase the bilateral trade,” the Speaker noted. He expressed hope that Veljko Kovacevic who had recently been appointed the Serbian Ambassador to Belarus will help ramp up economic and interparliamentary ties.

According to Vladimir Andreichenko, Belarus and Serbia keep in touch through their delegations at various international parliamentary organizations, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and the Interparliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy. According to Vladimir Andreichenko, the two countries have everything they need to strengthen interaction within the framework of international organizations. The friendly ties and time-tested Slavonic unity will also contribute to the effort.

Vladimir Andreichenko emphasized that for Belarus Serbia is a friend and a partner not only in the Balkans, but in entire Europe taking into consideration that Serbia seeks membership in the European Union. “We are interested in maintaining a dialogue with the European Union on an equitable basis, without a dictate and interference in domestic affairs,” the Speaker said.

Veljko Kovacevic, in turn, thanked Belarus for the warm welcome and noted that Serbia shares Belarus’ views on the bilateral cooperation. In his words, the friendly nature of the bilateral relations was confirmed by the visits of the presidents of the two countries. “The visit of Alexander Lukashenko (to Serbia in June 2014 – BelTA’s note) opened up new opportunities for us,” the Serbian Ambassador said.

The diplomat noted that different mass media provide conflicting reports about the domestic situation in Belarus. “However, it is impossible to conceal the progress Belarus has made,” the Serbian diplomat noted.

He added that the increase in the number of regular flights between Belarus and Serbia could give a boost to the bilateral cooperation.

Belarus views Serbia as a promising partner in Europe and is interested in building up mutually beneficial relations with this country. The new convocation of the Serbian parliament has set up a Belarus-Serbia friendship group consisting of 48 people. The similar group at the National Assembly of Belarus is led by Vladimir Senko, Chairman of the Commission for International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic.