Opinions & Interviews

Mezentsev: Union State integration creates competitive advantages for Belarus, Russia

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MINSK, 8 November (BelTA) – When we are together, we are more competitive economically, State Secretary of the Union State of Belarus and Russia Dmitry Mezentsev said on the air of the Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA has learned.

"When we are together, it means that our economies are stronger, more competitive, which gives us access to more international and regional markets. We grow more confident and independent. Our rapprochement means that we will not act upon someone’s orders. We will live they way our peoples choose, they way they are accustomed to within our Slavic and spiritual tradition," Dmitry Mezentsev said.

Dmitry Mezentsev stressed that the national leaders of Belarus and Russia clearly understand their responsibility for their peoples, their future. "Those are not lofty words. This is a reality. Vladimir Putin and Aleksandr Lukashenko proved that they serve their countries in full, protect the interests of their Fatherlands as much as possible. But this does not mean that you do not hear your partner, that you do not take into account his interests and do not meet him halfway request while defending your position. Twenty-eight Union State programs rely on this foundation. They are not about politics at all: there is simply no threat to the sovereignty, independence of Belarus, no other political institutions in Belarus," he said.

In his opinion, one should not expect an instant effect after the signing of the Union State programs. "This is work for the coming years. Now ministries and departments should develop a mechanism of interaction to ensure a different kind of engagement of industries employing hundreds of thousands of people in the supply chains. Today, as the two countries pool their economic capabilities, Belarus feels more stable and confident. Taking into account the sanctions, this will help avoid a drop in household incomes in Belarus. Today we have much more optimism and faith in economic integration than the day before yesterday," Dmitry Mezentsev said.

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