Opinions & Interviews

Turchinov thankful for Belarus support

LYASKOVICHI, 29 March (BelTA) – The development of Belarusian-Ukrainian friendly relations that will contribute to tighter Belarus-Ukraine cooperation in various spheres is very important. The statement was made by Acting President of Ukraine, Chairman of the Ukrainian parliament Alexander Turchinov after talks with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on 29 March, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Turchinov thanked the Belarus President for the opportunity to have the meeting and for the warm welcome. “Ukrainians and Belarusians are not just neighbors, they are brotherly nations. Our common history proves it. It is very important for us to feel the support of the friendly Belarusian nation,” he said.

The Acting President of Ukraine remarked that his country is living through a very difficult time. “We are going along the way of stabilization. It is hard for us. The occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the aggression that we hadn’t expected is a huge tragedy and a problem for us,” said Alexander Turchinov. “But despite all the problems Ukraine is moving on the way of stabilization, will restore the decayed economy that we have inherited. We will protect Ukrainian citizens regardless of where they live — in the east, west, north, south, or the center,” he assured.

Alexander Turchinov underlined the importance of always bolstering Belarusian-Ukrainian relations. He pointed out the need to increase trade turnover between the two countries and suggested working out a roadmap to address existing problems.

“I am very thankful to Alexander Lukashenko for the warmth and sincerity of the conversation. The view of the Belarus president, the Republic of Belarus itself is very important for us such as the fact that no aggression, including a third-country aggression will come from the Belarusian side against Ukraine,” noted Alexander Turchinov.

The Acting President of Ukraine also pointed out the colossal potential for advancing the bilateral relations. “It goes beyond the transport corridor between the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea. It includes opportunities for cooperation in mechanical engineering, agribusiness, energy matters,” he said.

Apart from that, Alexander Turchinov underlined the importance of spiritual affinity of the nations. Joint events in the area of culture are supposed to contribute to that.

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