Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 3 August (BelTA) – There are more bonding factors than problems in Belarus-USA relations. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he met with a delegation of U.S. congressmen in Minsk on 3 August, BelTA has learned.

“Despite some differences of opinion over political matters I am confident that the number of problematic issues that set us apart is lower than the number of positive factors that bring us together,” said the Belarusian leader.

The Belarusian head of state remarked that Belarus-USA contacts have been invigorated recently, including the exchange of visits of official delegations and business ones. Interaction between Belarusian and American law enforcement agencies continues. Interregional ties are being established. Cooperation in the area of science, culture, and education develops. Bilateral trade grows gradually. “Naturally we understand that without it no relations between countries are possible because economy is the foundation of any relations,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

“For us the USA is a promising trading partner and an investor. We don’t try to hide it. We are interested in securing access to the solvent and vast American market for Belarusian manufacturers. At the same time we are ready to do everything to make your work in Belarus comfortable,” noted the President.

Alexander Lukashenko underlined Belarus’ interest in raising investments, promoting manufacturing cooperation, and taking out loans. According to Alexander Lukashenko, American corporations demonstrate growing interest in Belarus, including in view of the certain advantages granted by the establishment of the Customs Union and Belarus’ participation in the Eurasian Economic Union. At present there are about 400 companies with American capital in Belarus. “However, I am confident that the potential of our economic cooperation is considerably larger,” said the Belarusian head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko said he hopes that the visit to Belarus will give a favorable impression of the country and its people to the American congressmen while meetings during the visit will help the sides learn each other better.

“We hide absolutely nothing from you. Everything you would like to see in Belarus, the opportunity that you will be granted will allow creating an integral impression of our country. You can stay in Belarus as long as you like until you have come up with a truly integral impression. It may be negative in some things, positive in other things but it will be your own impression of our country,” noted the Belarusian leader.