Business news

USA ready to meet all Belarus’ oil demand at competitive prices

Michael Pompeo

MINSK, 3 February (BelTA) – The United States is ready to provide Belarus with 100% of oil at competitive prices, U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo told the media after his talks with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko in Minsk on 1 February, BelTA has learned.

“We had lengthy talks on economic issues. Mr. Lukashenko said that Belarusians have a sovereign and independent state and that they cannot be part of some other country. The United States wants to help Belarus build its own sovereign country. Our energy producers stand ready to deliver 100% of the oil you need at competitive prices. We are the biggest energy producer in the world and all you have to do is call us,” Michael Pompeo said.

In his words, the two countries could work harder on reforms that Belarus can make to help attract greater U.S. engagement. “WTO accession and increased private sector development will all help Belarus unlock its trade potential,” he said.

The U.S. secretary of state also praised successful cooperation between the two countries in security, the area, which he believes, would further expand.

Michael Pompeo also said that the visit of the U.S. Secretary of State to Belarus should have taken place long ago. We must remember the history: the United States was one of the first countries to recognize Belarus’ independence in 1991. We stay committed to it and hope for closer cooperation, he added.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks