Alexander Lukashenko: Belarus is a reliable partner for the European Union and counts on reciprocity

18 февраля 2019

The arrival of Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources, became an occasion to discuss the further development of contacts between Belarus and the EU. At a meeting with the politician, Alexander Lukashenko openly spoke about the unchanged position: Belarus is a reliable partner for the European Union and in return it expects reciprocity. Our country and the EU have made significant progress in the development of bilateral relations, including in trade and economic sphere.

“Going towards each other” – that is how the Belarusian President has repeatedly and clearly formulated the state approach to the development of cooperation with the European Union. It is obvious that the dialogue between Minsk and Brussels has recently been developing in a positive way. 2018 saw a record number of contacts with EU governments and European structures.

Gunther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources: “It is a great honor to meet with you. I have been in Minsk since yesterday evening and I can say that I’m happy to visit Belarus."

The European Union remains the second largest market for Belarusian exports. In general, the trade turnover showed almost 20% growth and exceeded 17 billion dollars. Moreover, we deliver to the EU more than we buy. This is important, considering how much effort we make to maximize the diversification of foreign trade.

The loan for modernization was allocated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which today works not only with the private, but also with the public sector. First of all, the project is aimed at environmental safety. The state of reservoirs depends on how the sewage treatment works. New equipment will ensure high-quality cleaning.

Alexander Svanidze, director of the Vitebskvodokanal unitary enterprise: “The amount of a loan from the European Bank is nine million euro. The equipment meets the best European standards. A full range of construction and installation work has been completed."

There is an agreement to create a working group with experts from Belarus and the European Commission in Brussels to discuss specific areas of cooperation and future programs.

Gunter Oettinger, European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources: “One of such important areas is the improvement of transport infrastructure. Belarus has a long border with EU member countries, it is a very important transit country with regard to flows between the EU and Russia. Therefore, the expansion and development of the cross-border transport network will play a big role. In general, in recent years, Belarus and the EU significantly advanced their relations and normalized the bilateral dialogue. The position of Belarus and the President in terms of stability and security in the region, the country's desire to be the guarantor of peace in the region and peaceful neighborhood looks very convincing."