Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 5 October (BelTA) – The key goal of the talks between Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro has been reached, BelTA learned from Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Vladimir Semashko.

The official said: “The key goal — give a new impulse to Belarus-Venezuela relations across the board — has been reached. Primarily in economy but also in politics and social affairs. We’ve needed such an impulse for a long time.”

Vladimir Semashko reminded that Belarus-Venezuela relations started vigorously advancing in 2007. Belarus has helped establish a number of enterprises in Venezuela, including enterprises to make tractors, trucks, road construction machines, and ceramics. Belarusian specialists are also employed in large-scale housing construction projects in Venezuela.

“So our work goes on. But due to various circumstances, primarily the world crisis, the problems we and Venezuela face, the volume of our trade and economic relations started dropping considerably. By the way, the focus of today’s talks was our need to resume these relations at a totally different level. We have the base. We have built brand new basic assets in Venezuela such as new factories that can make competitive products.”

Vladimir Semashko stressed the importance of advancing relations with countries in various parts of the globe due to the openness of the Belarusian economy and its reliance on export. “Our strategic desires absolutely match Venezuela’s,” he remarked.

The deputy prime minister said that while making economy development plans, Venezuela is now trying to steer away from dependence on global prices for hydrocarbon resources. A national program has been put together. It includes about 15 branches starting with food production and ending with state-of-the-art machines and equipment. Belarusian experience, knowledge, and technologies are needed to implement these plans.

Vladimir Semashko remarked that the roadmap that guides Belarus-Venezuela cooperation will be adjusted upon instructions of the two heads of state. The relevant matters will be discussed during a session of the Belarusian-Venezuelan intergovernmental commission in Minsk in November. “We will have to develop this roadmap and get it approved by our president. Shortly after that Alexander Lukashenko may visit Venezuela where the two presidents will approve this roadmap,” said Vladimir Semashko.

Asked how exactly the roadmap will be adjusted, the official noted: “In the past we made sweeping plans. Today’s reality forces us to focus on top matters and implement the potential that is readily available. There are various aspects including the production sector, agriculture, and petrochemical industry.”