MINSK, 15 May (BelTA) - Belarus is starting to import oil from the United States, reads the statement by Belarus Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei, BelTA has learned.
“It is with satisfaction that I confirm the beginning of delivery of oil from the U.S. to Belarus. It became possible as a result of the agreements reached during the visit to the Republic of Belarus of U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and his meeting with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko,” the minister said.
Delivery of American oil is part of the state strategy to diversify sources (supply) and secure steady functioning of the oil processing complex of Belarus in 2020 and subsequent years.
“We consider cooperation with the United States in the oil sector to be a core element of energy security of the state, to be a crucial part of trade and investment engagement between the parties that has a significant potential, and a factor consolidating economic sovereignty of our country. We are working with the U.S. side to further the bilateral economic ties. Opportunities in trade and capital investment created by Minsk and Washington are beneficial for U.S. and Belarusian companies,” Vladimir Makei said.
The minister also stated that Belarus will continue to act in the interest of strengthening partnership relations with the United States, which, in the country's opinion, are a contribution to the common efforts to overcome contradictions in the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian regions.
