Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 6 November (BelTA) - Belarus and France need to increase the bilateral trade, Vice Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Anatoly Rusetsky said as he met with Vice-President of France-Belarus Friendship Group of the National Assembly of France Thierry Mariani, BelTA has learned.

Anatoly Rusetsky praised the economic part of relations with France, but noted that this potential is far from being exhausted. Mutual trade is about $500 million, and does not match the potential of the two countries.

In addition, Anatoly Rusetsky said: "The Republic of Belarus has always been attentive to the relations with France. We have many good success stories in our cooperation. Of course, one of them is our parliamentary cooperation, our friendship group. Of course, we would like to see this relationship become deeper, full-fledged.” He added that a lot is being done by Belarus which aims, among other things, to develop cooperation with the EU.

"Naturally and understandably, we cooperate not only with Europe but also with Russia, who is our closest partner. To live on the border between the European Union and Russia is our destiny. I hope that in a short while, many, including the European Parliament, will look at our country differently,” said Anatoly Rusetsky. He underlined that the Belarusian side, in particular, hopes for the objective view of French politicians.

The Vice Speaker also stressed the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation in the development of bilateral relations. As an example he cited the visit of Chairman of the France-Belarus Friendship Group of the National Assembly of France Gerald Darmanin in April 2015. Anatoly Rusetsky also underlined that a lot has been done by the embassies of the two countries.

Anatoly Rusetsky thanked Thierry Mariani for his visit to Belarus on the day of the Belarus President inauguration.