Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 13 October (BelTA) – The parliaments of Belarus and Azerbaijan can make a big contribution to the development of bilateral relations, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan Oktay Asadov on 13 October, BelTA has learned.

The head of state remarked that he is familiar with the work of MPs. “I am aware of the capabilities of parliaments. Yes, many people will say that the parliaments in Belarus and Azerbaijan do not play as big role as the parliaments do in the West. And this is good. Being a legislative branch of power, the parliament has its functions and obligations. It is a supreme lawmaking body. They should make laws to regulate the life of the society. They should also solve other issues in accordance with the Constitution,” the president stressed.

“I think that the parliaments can made a serious contribution to our relations. I, for example, listen to the opinion of the speakers and members of the parliament. I know that Ilham Aliyev is a very democratic person in this regard. If there is something useful (he is a well educated and intelligent person), he will always listen to it,” Alexander Lukashenko remarked. Parliamentarians just should work in a calm manner.”

“We have our own way, have determined our goals and roles of the judicial, legislative and executive branches of power. Both in Belarus and Azerbaijan the presidents are the coordinators of activities of these branches of power,” the Belarusian leader said.

The president emphasized that Belarus and Azerbaijan cooperate in various fields. The countries maintain very warm and close relations. “We trust each other absolutely. We set up joint ventures and trade with third countries. We branch out into the markets in the south and the east together with you. We will pursue the same policy in the economy. Our trade is on the rise, our military and technical cooperation is increasingly vibrant. We do not conceal it from anyone,” Alexander Lukashenko remarked.

The head of state recalled that during the CIS summit in Sochi he had an opportunity to talk to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev in various formats.

“I know that you are a peace-loving nation. Despite the problems in Karabakh, you have an absolutely peaceful position in this regard. Therefore, as I have already said to the defense minister [of Azerbaijan], there is nothing we should explain to other states,” the Belarusian leader stated.

He remarked that the sides are building their relations taking into account the interests of Belarusian and Azerbaijani people and in order to promote their wellbeing. “You can count on us in this regard. You are not an alien people for us. You are our brothers, we used to live in one country. And it does not matter that you are Muslims and we are Christians,” the president said.

The head of state asked the speaker to convey warm words to the president of Azerbaijan for cooperation on behalf of Belarus. “We will follow the course that we have determined. I am convinced that our MPs will find their place in the implementation of this roadmap,” Alexander Lukashenko added.