Lukashenko: Belarus will do everything for Russians it can
The President of Belarus has today met with the Governor of Russia’s Perm Territory, Dmitry Makhonin. On welcoming him, Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that Belarus is not a foreign country for the Russian guest, since his roots are here [Dmitry Makhonin's maternal ancestors lived in Belarus].
photo: www.belta.by
“There are no regions in Russia that could not be relied on. Your region is rich, and people there are very talented and forward-thinking. Importantly, the region is promising and focused on the future. You always say that this land is Russia’s backbone, and I absolutely agree with this," Aleksandr Lukashenko said, adding, “Since it is the mainstay of huge Russia, then it’s God will for us to co-operate. You should know that we will always do everything possible and impossible for Russians in general, and even more so for your people, our people in the Perm Territory.”
The President noted a slight decrease in the bilateral trade turnover and stated the need to take additional measures to restore it, “We should not simply demonstrate to everyone that we can do without those who do not want to work with us. We should also demonstrate that we can do a lot ourselves as well. Therefore, please, we are at your service – both regarding supplies and co-operation. As for ordinary trade, it needs to be dealt with. However, the most reliable option is when we are connected with each other – our enterprises, and when we work in co-operation.”
The Head of State added that, since Soviet times, Belarus has had high competencies in the field of mechanical engineering, since finishing production was concentrated on its territory.
“Some might call it an assembly shop, and it was such. However, a lot was produced here using the latest technologies, because resources moved from there [from the east] through Belarus, partly to Ukraine – heading to the marginal, as it is customary to say today, West. Therefore, Belarus – being on the path of supplying goods, components and raw materials – did a lot in Soviet times to develop normally at present. As a machine-building country, we are ready not only to trade with you, but also to co-operate in order to jointly manufacture certain products,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
