05 March 2019, 13:54

Lukashenko opines on EAEU, Union State, EU, WTO

MINSK, 5 March (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko met with senior government members and other top officials to discuss integration projects and cooperation with European organizations on 5 March, BelTA has learned.

Opening the session, Alexander Lukashenko noted that the State of the Nation Address is usually preceded by open and closed sessions, meetings and consultations to discuss important matters. “They will underlie some statements to be made on behalf of the president,” he explained.

The matters to be discussed today are of strategic importance to the state, Alexander Lukashenko added. “At present, no country, be them superpowers like the United States of America, China, India and Russia, cannot maintain sustainable development on their own, apart from each other and the entire world,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

He noted that there are many associations in the world that are designed to facilitate economic growth, maintain security and good living standards of people. “We make part of some of them and cooperate with others. But how? How can the Belarusian people benefit from them? How efficiently do we use the instruments to defend our interests,” the head of state asked.

Lukashenko: Belarus-Russia Union State project relies on equal conditions

“Belarus remains absolutely committed to the idea of the Union State construction. I want, first of all, our allies and opponents in the Russian Federation to hear that. And the main principle of this project is the creation of equal conditions for our compatriots and economic operators,” the head of state said.

Lukashenko: Eurasian integration is going backwards

Many economic matters were transferred from the Union State agenda to the EAEU. Unfortunately, Eurasian integration is turning or has already turned back, the head of state said.

Situation in CSTO described as unhealthy

In view of the global developments the importance of this organization is of no doubt. But now the organization is caught in some unhealthy situation. Take, for example, the routine issue of appointment of the secretary general,” the Belarusian leader said.

Lukashenko: Ice in Belarus-EU relations has not melted away

The head of state stressed that Belarus has been successfully developing a dialogue with its second largest partner, the European Union.

Lukashenko in favor of mutually respectful relations with NATO

“Three states bordering Belarus are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. And Ukraine is craving to join it. This is a certain challenge and a breeding ground for confrontation, especially amid pleas and plans strengthen military presence,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

Lukashenko: WTO accession should not be goal in itself

Don't join the WTO for the sake of accession. I will not sign any document on Belarus' accession to the WTO unless I have clear evidence that this will bring tangible benefits, the Belarusian leader said.

Belarus' foreign policy needs balance between west, east Belarus