On meeting the Head of the Udmurt Republic, Alexander Solovyov, Alexander Lukashenko stressed the importance of enhanced co-operation between Belarus and Udmurtia to overcome the negative trends in bilateral trade between the two countries. “We have a lot of common interests. We are ready to consider all your suggestions in order to develop concrete agreements that will boost bilateral co-operation,” he emphasised. The Head of State also guaranteed that Belarus will do its best to implement previous agreements.
The Belarusian leader noted that trade between Udmurtia and Belarus has shrunk in recent years. He commented “However, we should not be complacent about the situation. After all, the common economic union that has come into operation in 2015 offers additional opportunities to boost bilateral contacts. The union is designed to create as many favourable conditions as possible for promoting cooperation between its member states.”
Mr. Lukashenko reminded the delegates about the previous high level of trade between the two countries. “We should strive to replace the commodities we used to trade in, mostly the export of oil products, with supplies of agricultural products, machinery and consumer goods.” the President said. In his view, Belarus is ready to build up the export of a broad range of agricultural and road construction machinery, passenger transport, municipal vehicles and automobiles to the Udmurt Republic.
The President noted that both Belarus and Udmurtia have the development of agriculture as a priority. Belarus is able to share best practices in growing and processing a broad range of agricultural products, including flax. Mr. Lukashenko expressed confidence that the two parties could establish long-term co-operation in the fields of transport, road construction, municipal services and humanitarian efforts.
Mr. Solovyov, in turn, remarked that as part of the visit, the delegation of Udmurtia has held a number of successful business meetings and added that this will also have a positive influence on bilateral relations.
By Vladimir Vikulin
