President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Governor of Russia’s Samara Region Vyacheslav Fedorishchev on July 21st
The Head of State, in particular, noted, “The central task is to increase non-resource exports, as well as to enhance industrial co-operation and production of our Union State product. We are ready to establish joint ventures together, primarily in Samara Region, where very promising and industrially powerful enterprises are located. We would like to co-operate with them. Of course, as a result of this interaction, we would have gained new competencies, and you would have worked with our smart Belarusians who could co-operate and create a joint product.”
At the same time, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the traditional areas of co-operation should not be neglected: the supply of various types of passenger, cargo, utility, road construction, agricultural, and fire equipment, “We produce everything that is needed in industry and agriculture. I think it will always be in demand in Samara Region, even though people there can do this on their own.”
The supply and replacement of elevator equipment were discussed as well, and the President stressed that Belarusian elevators are now being exported throughout the former Soviet Union and abroad, and new directions have been developed. “If you are ever interested, come and see for yourself what we can do,” Aleksandr Lukashenko addressed the Russian governor.
Co-operation in the automotive industry was another topic discussed during the meeting. “You have a whole cluster there, and we have a company that manufactures components, and we can co-operate — after all, to share this huge Belarusian–Russian market and export abroad together. There is no need for us to compete where we do not need to compete,” the Head of State said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that Samara Region is very suitable for Belarus in terms of creating joint ventures due to its highly developed industry,
“We also strive to get more innovative products, so there is something to think about in this regard. If we agree on something, we will definitely create joint ventures in traditional industries, as well as open new ones based on the developments of Belarusian and Samara scientists.”Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that Vyacheslav Fedorishchev has been working as Samara Region Governor for less than a year, yet this is not his first visit to Belarus. The Head of State stressed that Belarus is always ready to contribute to the implementation of the agreements reached.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also said that Belarus is shifting its diplomatic focus away from Western countries. “If they are unwilling to liaise with us, why should we force our way in?
We are focusing on expanding our presence wherever we are welcomed, particularly in the Russian Federation,” the Belarusian leader stated. “Therefore, the Foreign Ministry has been instructed to explore the possibility of establishing embassies instead of consulates, thus raising our co-operation to a higher level. We are prepared to shift our pool of diplomats from the West to the East.”
Samara The Head of State added that there are plenty of countries around the world eager to co-operate with Belarus.
Speaking about promising areas of co-operation with Samara Region, the Head of State highlighted the space industry, rocket technology, and aircraft production. “That is what we are very interested in. Your rocket science is at the highest level,” the President said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasised Belarus’ co-operation with Russia on space-related advancements, specifically mentioning the development of artificial Earth satellites and various chips. “We have preserved such enterprises as Integral, BelOMO and others that produce equipment for chip manufacturing,” the Belarusian leader added.
Speaking to the Russian guest, the Head of State noted, “Everything you are interested in and request is available to you here. We will do everything we can to assist you. Additionally, we are eager to learn from your expertise in rocket and aircraft construction.”
He stated that due to the agreements with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarus has made significant advancements in the aircraft industry. The President highlighted the joint project to develop the Osvey aircraft and the manufacturing of its components.
“We possess a strong repair facility for aircraft, helicopters, and armoured vehicles. Our foundation is robust, and we are enhancing it to reach production capabilities, allowing us to not only repair but also to manufacture.We began with certain components, particularly in aircraft construction, and have now progressed to a more advanced stage. In this context, we are very interested in your companies. I believe we will find common interests here,” Aleksandr Lukashenko asserted.
The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, drew attention to the need for joint development of machine tool industry. The Head of State emphasised that, after Western companies left the Belarus–Russia common market, the machine tool industry needs to be developed, “Nothing should or can be without this branch. Since Soviet times, machine tool construction has been our brand, alongside other industries. This is a very powerful area of development for our industry. We have preserved all the competencies and enterprises, and you can join — this will then produce a good effect.”
Vyacheslav Fedorishchev
The governor of the Russian region primarily emphasised agriculture, saying, “We see co-operation not just in technology, which is consistently sought after in the Russian Federation, but also in joint production efforts.”
Furthermore, according to him, they agreed on large-scale interaction in the area of new technologies. “Belarus is known, appreciated and respected in Samara,” the Russian guest added. “Alongside warm greetings from all the residents of Samara, I would like to pass an invitation [for President Aleksandr Lukashenko] to visit Samara Region. We have agreed that next year there will be joint Days of Culture of the Republic of Belarus in Samara and vice versa. This is very significant for us.”
Speaking about educational co-operation, he mentioned, “I want to highlight two specific areas: agro-industrial universities and technological universities focused on unmanned technologies, among other areas. We have reached an agreement to offer students from Belarus the chance to study at our universities starting next year. Additionally, we will also encourage our students to consider studying at Belarusian universities.”
Vyacheslav Fedorishchev conveyed regards from Samara Region residents to the Belarusian leader, “People in Samara love you, know about you and always invite you to visit. We have many good occasions for it. This year Samara is hosting Russia — Country of Sports international forum, which is held annually. We would be truly glad if today or tomorrow during the visit of our delegation we will find an opportunity to invite your teams to this forum.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko said in response, “Tell people of Samara that I simply cannot let them down. I treat them with utmost respect. This is Russia itself, the soul — and our [Belarusian] heart and soul are also there — that is why I treat them with utmost respect. These are my people, and our people as well, that is why they will not be ashamed of me here, in the west.”
According to the Governor, the Samara Region’s authorities have major plans to upgrade and modernise different economic sectors, “There are six thousand elevators we need to replace, around four billion [Russian] roubles that we have set aside for municipal equipment for the next few years. Today, while visiting [industrial] plants, first of all we will be quite attentive to co-operation opportunities, because my colleagues [Belarusians] need no introduction — everyone is well aware, sees this experience. And we trust it — that is why today we will be looking for opportunities to make preliminary arrangements.”
He stressed that Samara Region is an industrial territory. “We have good grounds for technological leadership in various industries — including in chemistry and UAV development. Moreover, this unmanned component deals not only with UAVs: it involves unmanned technologies that are designed for all types of devices,” the Samara Region Governor said.
Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by
