MINSK, 20 November (BelTA) – Minsk hopes to bring together the leaders of the former Yugoslavian republics in 2016, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Serbia President Tomislav Nikolic before the ceremony of laying a time capsule at the foundation of the experimental multi-purpose complex Minsk Mir in the Belarusian capital on 20 November.
Alexander Lukashenko and Tomislav Nikolic had an informal meeting. The Belarusian President said that it will be very symbolic if the leaders of the former Yugoslavian republics arrive in Minsk next year in connection with a very important event – the construction of the Minsk Mir complex.
The head of state expressed hope that the Serbian side will help Belarus organize this meeting. Tomislav Nikolic, in turn, said that certain steps in the organization of the meeting have been already taken. For example, this pertains to the participation of the presidents of Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, and Montenegro. “The former Yugoslavia will be represented here, it will help our people live better. This is a great achievement of yours,” Tomislav Nikolic said.
Alexander Lukashenko suggested mulling over another project with the participation of the former Yugoslavian republics, and the President of Serbia praised the initiative. He believes it would be great to resume the joint manufacture of products.
The three-day visit of Serbia President Tomislav Nikolic will finish on 20 November. As part of the visit the Serbian head of state held productive restricted-attendance and extended talks with the Belarusian leader, visited Minsk Tractor Works and the Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War History. During the talks the two heads of state signed a joint statement in which they pointed out the commitment of the two countries to the principles of international law and determined trade and economic cooperation priorities.
