Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 1 October (BelTA) – Belarus-Kazakhstan relations advance fast, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko told the news agency Khabar and the TV channel 24 KZ in an interview on 1 October. The interview was granted prior to the Belarus President’s visit to Kazakhstan, BelTA has learned.

“It would be incorrect to plan some kind of a breakthrough in our relations. Our relations advance very smoothly, dynamically despite a certain reduction of the trade turnover due to the global crisis but this is only natural,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

The President remarked that the two countries have absolutely no problems in politics, diplomacy, the states have common views in the international scene, have identical approaches to the international agenda, and there is complete understanding between the governments and the presidents.

As far as economic matters are concerned, Belarus takes an active part in industrialization projects in Kazakhstan. “We are now working on about 20 major projects. Kazakhstan spends hundreds of millions on them. We use the money, set up joint ventures in all areas over there,” said the Belarusian leader. “Our economies are absolutely compatible, we almost never compete and it is a great advantage”.

Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that the presidents had agreed to hold meetings annually in order to monitor the fulfillment of arrangements and the progress in implementing bilateral projects.

The TV channel 24 KZ is part of the media agency Khabar. The latter is a leading media holding company in Kazakhstan. Created in 1995, it comprises five TV channels and five websites.