By Alexei Adashkin: Several rounds of bilateral talks will be held in Kiev. The meeting of the Belarusian leader with Mr. Poroshenko will be dedicated to issues of politics, economy and humanitarian cooperation. The mutual trade turnover of almost 4 billion dollars clearly does not reflect the potential of the two countries. Minsk and Kiev are planning to reach the pre-crisis level of relations in the near future. This will be facilitated by a joint business forum.
The Ukrainian market for Belarusian producers is one of the most important destinations. This country ranks second among all our foreign economic partners.
Over the years of independence, the trade turnover between our countries has increased from several hundred million dollars to almost 8 billion in 2012. The political crisis in Ukraine significantly influenced the mutual economy. However, today the figures of statistics signify the revival of relations. The trend is optimistic. But in order to consolidate it, we will have to work hard both in Minsk and Kiev.
In 2016, the trade turnover between Belarus and Ukraine exceeded 3.8 billion dollars. From January to May, the mutual trade increased by more than a quarter, as compared to the same period last year.
More than five thousand companies and firms are engaged in import-export relations. Moreover, the trade balance is in our favor. Last year Belarus sold almost $ 2 billion more to Ukraine than bought from it.
All official talks of the Presidents will be held tomorrow. The economy will be the main topic. Trade, investment, industrial cooperation, energy, agriculture, logistics will be discussed as well as the settlement of the conflict in the east of Ukraine. Minsk has already proved that the return of peace to its neighbors is our foreign policy priority.
Ukraine is moving closer to the European Union. Belarus is an active participant of the Eurasian Union. Multifaceted integration can bring mutual benefit and expand the geography of exports.
Belarus and Ukraine are determined to reach the pre-crisis level of relations in the near future. The main thing is that this desire is supported by the political will of the leaders of the two countries. Tomorrow's official talks in Kiev will confirm this.
