Opinions & Interviews

Understanding during talks between Lukashenko and Turchinov

LYASKOVICHI, 29 March (BelTA) – After negotiations with Acting President of Ukraine, Chairman of the Ukrainian parliament Alexander Turchinov Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko stated that the sides had understanding regarding all the issues they were concerned about, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko remarked that the negotiations that had lasted for over three hours had touched upon the most urgent issues in Belarusian-Ukrainian relations. “The negotiations were very useful. We have exchanged opinions on all matters. I am very pleased about results of our meeting. We were able to find understanding about all the problems and the issues that concern us. Now we can depart to Minsk and Kyiv while satisfied with the arrangements we have made here,” stated Alexander Lukashenko.

According to the Belarus President, if there had been any misunderstanding between the sides, it had been caused by incomplete information about various problems. “I am thankful for the sincerity and warmth that you have managed to add to this meeting of ours,” the Belarus President told Alexander Turchinov.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that the sides had come to terms on all the items on the agenda, including trade and economic cooperation. The Belarus President reminded that for several years Alexander Turchinov had been the first vice premier of Ukraine and the co-chairman of the Belarusian-Ukrainian commission for trade and economic cooperation. “I’ve been able to clarify today that he clearly remembers and knows the problems that existed in Belarus-Ukraine relations. Today he was able to enumerate them with astounding precision,” remarked the Belarusian head of state. “While preparing for the meeting I also recounted the problems. It turns out we have to make up for failures in some aspects urgently”.

The Belarus President said that in view of the fact the two leaders had discussed problems of transportation between the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea. “We have agreed that in the near future we will revise these matters within the framework of the existing commission and if necessary, we will offer preferences for this transit,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

The purchase of Ukrainian electricity by Belarus was also discussed at the talks. “It is universally acknowledged that Ukraine has a huge electricity generation capacity and we can buy the surplus. We also touched upon the matter of electricity transit via Belarus,” remarked the Belarusian leader.

Apart from that, the operation of joint ventures in Ukraine and Belarus was discussed as well as plans to advance cooperation in this area. Belarus is ready to help Ukraine in agricultural matters.

The Belarus President thanked Alexander Turchinov for sincerely and honestly informing him about all the political issues and trends in Ukraine and about how things had happened. “A lot of it was a revelation for me. From his own lips I heard a lot of things that, unfortunately, I couldn’t have known. I think it will add to the treasure of our good relations,” remarked Alexander Lukashenko.

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