SHKLOV DISTRICT, 23 April (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko talked to reporters on 21 April and informed them about results of his official visit to Moldova, BelTA has learned. The head of state said what he thinks about differences in political views in that country's leadership.
According to Alexander Lukashenko, the Moldovan president and his team and the Moldovan prime minister and his team are intent on keeping their country sovereign and independent. Alexander Lukashenko said that during the dinner he had told the Moldovan leadership he would like their country to always be sovereign and independent and not a part of any country. “Moldova is a self-sufficient independent state. Albeit a small one but with a great nation. This is why everyone over there is intent on keeping the country sovereign and independent. It is what matters. All of them have pro-Moldovan views. Not pro-Russian, not pro-Romanian, not pro-American. They would like to enjoy good relations with the European Union, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and so on,” said Alexander Lukashenko.
“The most important thing is that we should not urge them to leave Europe if they want to be with us. Belarus or Moldova cannot leave Europe if the god has placed the countries over there. We cannot make such conditions for them,” said Alexander Lukashenko.
The president stressed that Moldova is a dear country to him. He said he had been to Moldova several times even in the Soviet times. “It was a prosperous land. It is a flourishing land now only the cities and villages are a bit on the decline. Moldova needs time to regain its original look. Time is needed for people over there not to suffer over the fact that their life is worse than, for instance, life in Belarus or somewhere else. It is the best place for life. A beautiful land.”
The president stated with regret that the Moldovan society is split due to political views. He put some of the blame for it on the CIS states and the Eurasian Economic Union. “We haven't taken decisive actions to bring Moldova closer to us. Now the society is split as a result. We are to blame — Belarusians and Russians first of all — for not using the chance we had in the past,” said Alexander Lukashenko.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that the situation is unique. Moldova is intent on having good relations with the European Union, yet the country's relations in the East have not been lost. “But the leaders are absolutely pragmatic. Dodon has nothing against the Western vector although he is considered a pro-Russian politician. Nothing like that. He is a pragmatic and wise man, who keeps up with the times,” believes the head of state.
“We have similar feelings. I also believe: why do we have to frown on Europe? If you want to cooperate with us, go ahead. Our situation is different from Moldova's. Nevertheless, they are our neighbors — the European Union on the one side and the Eurasian Economic Union, Russia, and then China on the other side. We shouldn't push away anyone. It is our destiny. We live on this fissure. It is a bridge that should connect two strong river banks. Moldova's situation is exactly the same. And Igor Dodon understands it perfectly well,” said the Belarusian leader.
Continuing the conversation about politics in Moldovan leadership, Alexander Lukashenko noted that Moldovan Prime Minister Pavel Filip cannot be described as purely pro-Western.
Alexander Lukashenko remarked that Belarus is interested in cooperation with Moldova starting with corn seed growing and ending with wine growing. On the other hand, Moldova is interested in Belarus. “It means we can exchange goods, can establish trade and economic relations,” said the president. He mentioned that Moldova and the European Union had signed an agreement on association. The document allows working together on the relevant markets.
“Determining the vector of our actions towards Moldova as pragmatic and calm, we've come up with ways to work together with them when they are both in Europe and on our market,” added Alexander Lukashenko.
