MOSCOW, 23 June (BelTA) – Belarusian negotiators demonstrate persistence and compelling arguments in resolving natural gas delivery problems with Russia. Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov made the relevant statement when asked whether there are truly serious disagreements and problems in Belarus-Russia relations, BelTA has learned.
Sergei Lavrov said: “I'd like to note that negotiators, particularly from the Belarusian economic bloc, are very persistent and present compelling arguments. Naturally our colleagues try to do just as well.”
In his opinion, striking a balance between economic interests is central to any integration mechanism. “Once found, this balance will never stay the same because life goes on, economy develops, new technologies emerge, and market situations change. And the state of the market influences the economy of every participant of international trade and international investment cooperation. This is what happens in our relations within the framework of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, too,” said Sergei Lavrov.
The Russian minister of foreign affairs said: “When disagreements about individual aspects of energy cooperation emerged recently, experts spent a lot of effort and time in order to lay the groundwork for the April meeting of the presidents so that Putin and Lukashenko could reach an agreement that would address the issues, the rough spots that emerged in that stage of our integration cooperation. I am convinced that more issues that require additional interference will emerge in the future, too. I am also convinced that they will be addressed in a comradely fashion as is the custom between allies.”
