Lukashenko praises Belarusian-Armenian relations

MINSK, 12 September (BelTA) – Belarus and Armenia have reached an advanced level in the development of trade and economic and political relations, said President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko as he met with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian on 12 September.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, the two countries have advanced farthest in the post-Soviet space thanks to various objective and subjective reasons, remarked Alexander Lukashenko.

In his words, Belarus and Armenia are connected by tight economic cooperation that they have managed to advance to quite a high level over the last few years. “It was hard to imagine that we could build these relations several years ago. But there are kind people in this world, there are options, we have found these ways of cooperation, the businessmen that have steered this process,” remarked the head of state.

Speaking about political cooperation the President said that it is very advanced as the two countries are in the same military political bloc. “Yes, there are rough parts to polish but it is what today’s meeting is all about, to avoid these rough parts in the future and to build relations, including those in the international arena,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

Besides, the two countries are connected by friendly relations not only between the heads of state, but also between governments and business representatives. “We closely monitor the life of our brotherly Armenian nation. We rejoice at your successes. We are glad that in the complicated conditions you are trying not to simply survive but to advance Armenia to a higher development level. If we can help you in this area, we will,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

In turn, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian remarked that while in Belarus he planned to discuss several bilateral matters as well as matters on the regional and international agendas. “We maintain the political dialogue at the highest level,” stressed the Foreign Minister of Armenia. He remarked that Belarusian-Armenian cooperation develops quite successfully, emerging issues are promptly addressed. He also remarked that there were plans to sign a 2011-2012 Belarusian-Armenian cooperation plan during his visit.

Belarus is an important trade partner of Armenia and ranks third among the CIS states in the bilateral trade volume. In 2010 Belarus exported $42.1 million worth of commodities to Armenia, 81.2% up. Belarus’ main exports to Armenia are tires, trucks, tractors, parts and accessories for them, medications, and dairy foods. Belarus’ main imports from Armenia are alcohol beverages, tobacco products, chemical substances, and medications. There is a chain for distributing products of Belarusian enterprises in Armenia. Three enterprises with a share of Belarusian capital have been opened. Those are the trading house BelAr, OOO BelAZ Kavkaz Trans Service, and OOO Armenian-Belarusian Trading House Ar-Be.