MINSK, 3 February (BelTA) – The meeting of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko with representatives of the general public, Belarusian and foreign mass media on 3 February lasted for 7 hours and 20 minutes, setting a new record, BelTA has learned.
About 50 reporters representing the largest state and private Belarusian mass media, popular websites, and respected foreign mass media were invited to take part in the meeting. About 100 experts, including prominent political analysts, economists, representatives of political parties, religious confessions, and public associations, productively contributed to the discussion.
The meeting was dubbed as The Big Conversation With the President. The event lived up to its name since the very start. The head of state made it clear right away that no topics would be avoided on that day and that he would like to talk about the problems that worried the Belarusian nation. He said he wanted to hear out the opinions of all those present in addition to getting asked questions.
The lively discussion touched upon dozens of topics, including Belarus' foreign policy, results of the country's social and economic development in 2016, the capital punishment problem, security matters, Belarus' tourism potential, the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, and other things.
Alexander Lukashenko spoke in detail about the current state of Belarusian-Russian relations. He outlined the existing differences of opinions and ways to overcome them. The head of state commented on negotiations on natural gas prices, conflicts in Belarus-Russia food trade, and Russia's decision to enforce border zone regulations at the Belarusian-Russian border. “These thoughtless uncoordinated steps that only worsen our relations should not be made,” stressed the Belarusian leader. Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that Belarus had never violated a single agreement with Russia.
In response to Lithuania's remarks concerning the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, Alexander Lukashenko said he would like Lithuania to keep politics out of it. “You should just drop politics and forget about it. Economy will do its work: we will come to terms when cheap electricity becomes available,” said the head of state.
The head of state also mentioned that government conferences will be held soon to discuss the development of science and public utilities and to review the government's performance in 2016. Close attention was paid to the encouragement of investments in Belarus. The President mentioned negotiations with China on raising $700 million for small and medium businesses. “I think we will come to terms on what sums we will allocate for specific projects (family business and so on),” explained Alexander Lukashenko.
Following the established tradition a large part of the discussion was focused on Alexander Lukashenko's personal preferences and tastes. The head of state admitted that he wears only Belarusian costumes. He promised that chocolate under the President brand will become available soon. Apart from that, Alexander Lukashenko gave a few tips as to what tourists can see in Belarus within five days. In his words, travelers are strongly advised to visit the Brest Fortress memorial, the national park Belovezhskaya Pushcha, the Berezinsky biosphere reserve, Lake Naroch, the Pripyat River, Mir Castle and other places of interest. Belarusians treat nature with respect while some nations fail to do it, pointed out Alexander Lukashenko. Tourists may also visit the Belarusian capital. “We are ready to show it to the entire world. As the most important thing we are ready to demonstrate that there is a country called Belarus. It is an open country and the doors are open for anyone,” said Alexander Lukashenko.
