Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 22 March (BelTA) – Belarus and Georgia should step up efforts to raise the bilateral trade to $200 million in the near future, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Georgia Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili on 22 March, BelTA has learned.

Speaking about the economic relations of Belarus and Georgia, Alexander Lukashenko noted that the countries’ goal is to raise the bilateral trade to $200 million. “I think that this is the first step that we should do in the near future,” the President said.

The sides have analyzed the prospects of mutual deliveries and joint production. “If you are interested in the European or Eurasian market, you know that there are no forbidden topics for you in Belarus,” Alexander Lukashenko stressed. In his opinion, the sides will increase the bilateral trade to $200 million very quickly if they step up efforts in this field.

Alexander Lukashenko said that the visit of Giorgi Kvirikashvili to Belarus is not just a landmark event. According to the Belarusian leader, this is a testimony to Georgia’s resolution to enhance relations with Belarus. It was expected that the previous prime minister of Georgia would arrive in Belarus. After the appointment the new head of government did not change these plans. “It means that the course of Georgia in relation to Belarus is stable. We have seen and heard this sign,” the President said.

Speaking about the official visit to Georgia in 2015, Alexander Lukashenko remarked: “We have agreed on a lot of things. But the main thing is that at our meeting we understood that we have a huge potential. Then we decided that the governments should be in the vanguard of implementing these resolutions.” The head of state assured that the Belarusian side will not abandon this course. Belarus is prepared to do everything for Georgia, and Georgia is aware of the potential of Belarusian partners.

Speaking about the cooperation in foreign policy, the President said that Belarus and Georgia have virtually no differences. “It does not matter what course Georgia has chosen and what course we have chosen. It is not an obstacle in building relations. The life goes on, the time changes. We understand these processes and keep our eyes on the ball,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.

Belarus and Georgia are aware of the development of the situation in the world, and are ready to make adjustments in their relations if necessary. The improvement of relations is our priority, the President concluded.