Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 11 May (BelTA) – Belarus is ready to discuss the resumption of cooperation with Russian partners in potash industry. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the relevant statement as he met with Governor of Russia’s Rostov Oblast Vasily Golubev on 11 May, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko reminded that back in the day this cooperation fell apart due to no fault of the Belarusian side and proposals to resume this cooperation had been submitted since. “Let’s do it. I have no objections,” said Alexander Lukashenko. “Just don’t set the terms we cannot accept. This cooperation scheme did not fall apart because of us. You know it well.”

The Belarusian leader stressed: “We are ready for everything. Ready for competition and for doing business the humane way. [For doing business] not even as partners but as brothers. We are capable of striking a deal. But only on sincere, honest, and principled terms. It is very important.”

In early March 2017 BelTA quoted Alexander Lukashenko as saying that Belarus is ready to cooperate with the Russian potash extraction company Uralkali, provided Belarus’ interests are observed. Representatives of the Russian side have contacted Belarus more than once with requests to resume cooperation with Belaruskali in making and selling fertilizers. “But Belarus’ interests must be secured by 200% instead of 100%. We are fed up with working together. If we intend to work together, we should do it from Belarus’ territory after reaching an honest and clear agreement on all matters. We should use this approach to act. We will not make concessions but we are ready for compromises. And these compromises must be mutually beneficial,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko.