Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 22 April (BelTA) – The foreign policy of Belarus is geared towards increasing the prosperity of the nation. The statement was made by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko in his address to the nation and the parliament on 22 April, BelTA has learned.

“Without global ambitions Belarus has geared its foreign policy towards attaining a simple and understandable goal — prosperity of our citizens,” said the head of state.

He remarked that 2014 is a key year in matters of economic integration of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia, and possibly other countries, which are partners in the Eurasian Economic Community and the Commonwealth of Independent States. “We should fasten and expand benefits of integration,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

According to the President, the preservation and reinforcement of the strategic partnership with the historical ally — Russia — is a priority task in the foreign policy of Belarus. The head of state believes that the approach is logical and results from the very essence of integration. Alexander Lukashenko reminded that Belarus and Russia are implementing landmark projects these days. In particular, the Belarusian nuclear power plant is being built and the defense industry is being modernized. The head of state also pointed out the importance of cooperation at the regional level.

The head of state underlined that Belarus will continue advancing relations with the People’s Republic of China. “Once I told you that time will come when nothing in the world will be accomplished without China. The time has come. We should be proud of our starting cooperation with the country when China was not a superpower. And China is willing to meet us halfway. Particularly in matters of monetary resources, lending for our projects in Belarus. We just have to wisely use the money,” remarked the President.

According to the Belarusian leader, the huge Asian region remains an undoubtable foreign policy priority for Belarus. Apart from the People’s Republic of China Belarus works to establish tight relations with South Korea, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia.

The Latin America vector is getting stronger. Apart from Venezuela Belarus now works to advance partnership with Ecuador, Bolivia, Cuba, and Nicaragua.

Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that Belarus tries to take very careful and accurate steps to advance in the African direction, too.

“We don’t need much. We just need enough for our people to live decent lives. We will design our foreign policy with this in mind,” said the head of state.

“The foreign policy of Belarus is calm and is aimed at equal cooperation and mutual benefits. The policy will guarantee the expansion of the circle of our partners. The Belarusian nation will get more and more tangible benefits from it,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko.

“For the sake of advancing cooperation I expect the government to sign free trade agreements with interests of our country in mind,” said the President.