MINSK, 17 March (BelTA) – Business partners value Belarus for honesty, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Alain Pilloux on 17 March, BelTA has learned.
Alexander Lukashenko remarked that Belarus is ready to continue cooperating with the EBRD. At the same time, Belarus has never promised to do anything it cannot do to its European partners. “We will not humble ourselves, we will not deceive you. If we promise to do something, we will do our best to fulfill the obligations,” the President said. He emphasized that Belarus has been committed to this policy even in the most difficult moments of its existence as an independent republic. “I think that we are dong the right thing. Our partners value us for it,” the head of state remarked.
Belarus will remain an honest partner in the future. However, Alexander Lukashenko stressed that the Belarusian side will not implement projects that do not benefit the state. The President explained that this is his position as a statesman. The entire power vertical is focused on it. “People chose us to protect the interests of the state. But we are absolutely not against private business, responsible business which prioritizes the interests of the state and is not trying to line its pockets only,” the head of state said and added that there are enough responsible businessmen in the country.
In spite of all difficulties which existed in the relations of Belarus with the European Union and the USA, the EBRD has been always cooperating with Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko said. Since 1992, the bank has invested about €1.8 billion. “I would like to thank you for it. We have always managed to find common ground in the most difficult circumstances and situations,” Alexander Lukashenko reminded.
The state of affairs has changed today, Belarus is now able to conduct a more open dialogue with the EU, the President said. “It is a good signal and factor for you and for us. We can expand our cooperation. The main thing is that Belarus is prepared for it,” the head of state said.
EBRD Vice President Alain Pilloux, in turn, noted that the bank has already done a lot in Belarus. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has maintained robust cooperation with Belarusian companies and the government, there is a high level of trust. The EBRD can do even more in Belarus today. The EBRD Vice President suggested discussing these issues with the Belarusian head of state.
