Lukashenko on Belarus-Kazakhstan co-operation: much has been done, but together we can achieve even more
Close Belarusian-Kazakh relations have been established since the Soviet Union, and these contacts have never stopped after our republics gained independence – as stated by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, in an exclusive interview with the Kazinform news agency
Assessing the potential of co-operation between Belarus and Kazakhstan, the Head of State noted, “It’s huge! Much has been done, but together we can achieve even more. Close Belarusian-Kazakh relations have been established since the Soviet Union, and these contacts have never stopped after our republics gained independence. We are partners on the platforms of the EAEU, the CIS and the CSTO. We have always had warm, friendly relations with the leadership of Kazakhstan, and this has repeatedly helped solve the most challenging issues.”
According to the Belarusian leader, the trade turnover of $1bn – which has been maintained for the third year in a row – is far from the limit of our capabilities.
“We have made serious progress in production co-operation, industrial policy, transport, and agriculture. We hope that in the near future we will be able to remove obstacles to the transit of goods and restore air traffic in full,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
He also mentioned that Kazakhstan is a permanent participant in our Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk International Festival of Arts, and last year a performer from this country became a laureate of the pop song contest. Aleksandr Lukashenko added that Belarus and Kazakhstan have a number of joint projects dealing with youth and cultural exchanges.
“It is very significant for us that Belarus becomes a full member of the SCO in the year of Kazakhstan’s presidency. We’re grateful to the Kazakh team for their co-operation in this issue and support for Belarus’ application. We’re optimistic about the future of our relations and together we’re making big plans for the future,” the Head of State concluded.
