Opinions & Interviews

MP: Lukashenko’s Address at Belarusian People’s Congress was a powerful call to action

MINSK, 23 December (BelTA) – The President’s Address at the second session of the VII Belarusian People’s Congress was a powerful call to action in virtually all areas of the country’s development, Chairman of the International Affairs and National Security Commission of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Sergei Aleinik told BelTA.

Sergei Aleinik took part in the session. In his view, the implementation of domestic development priorities outlined in the President’s Address and the five-year social and economic development program will largely depend on the country’s foreign activities.

“The head of state paid special attention to the international vector of relations and emphasized that Belarus is always open to dialogue with foreign partners and cooperation at any level, including parliamentary. But it must be a mutually respectful dialogue, a conversation on equal terms,” Sergei Aleinik stressed. “Yes, Belarus has its own path of development, its own course, along which the country is confidently moving forward and achieving significant results.”

He highlighted the importance of further focusing on deepened cooperation with integration associations. Today, the economic and geopolitical balance is shifting decisively toward the Global East and South, and Belarus is part of this system. The future of a multipolar world lies with groupings such as BRICS, SCO, and the EAEU, within which Belarus is building effective multilateral and bilateral cooperation. Notably, Belarus increased the share of distant countries in its exports from 11% in 2021 to 20% in 2024. The clear goal is that one-third of Belarusian exports should find buyers in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Sergei Aleinik also pointed out that relations with Russia and China remain a strategic priority. The Russian Federation is Belarus’ main ally and partner. China is the country’s second-largest trading partner after Russia and one of the leaders in terms of direct investment in the Belarusian economy. Over the past decade, Belarusian exports to China have nearly tripled, and the overall trade volume has already exceeded trade with the European Union by more than twice.

The chairman emphasized the importance of expanding trade and cooperation with India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Indonesia, Oman, the UAE, as well as Algeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, and many other countries with which Belarus already has key agreements, including at the highest level. Belarusian food products, industrial goods, IT solutions, and medical developments are in demand there.

Sergei Aleinik stressed that the Council of the Republic is focused on even more active work through regional inter-parliamentary associations so that, in addition to political impact, cooperation will bring greater economic results.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks