Belarus against bringing politics into relations with EBRD

MINSK, 17 May (BelTA) – Belarus is against bringing politics into relations between the country and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Andrei Savinykh, Head of the Information Office, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, told media on 17 May.

The spokesman said London will host the 21st session of the EBRD Board of Governors on 18-19 May. A Belarusian delegation led by First Vice Premier of Belarus Vladimir Semashko will take part in the event. Asked whether the Belarusian side will initiate the resumption of cooperation with the EBRD at the session, Andrei Savinykh said it was not necessary because cooperation had never stopped.

At present Belarus vigorously cooperates with the bank in private sector development and the implementation of projects relating to environmental protection and the improvement of ecological standards. “We are satisfied with cooperation with the bank and plan to develop it on agreed terms,” said the Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Yet the official remarked that the Foreign Ministry was aware of attempts of individual public figures to politicize international economic interaction. “We are against it. Such attempts contradict common sense. In essence these people are trying to determine what’s more important – development of liberal political institutions or the market economy infrastructure? This presentation of the question is not only absurd but harmful because it contradicts the consistent progress in the area that they allegedly root for,” said Andrei Savinykh. He added Belarus is not inclined to view these people’s actions as ignorance, it is more likely they pursue a hidden political agenda.

The forthcoming session of the EBRD Board of Governors is expected to discuss the bank’s development strategy for 2012-2013 and to elect the bank chairman. A presentation “Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus: investment opportunities of the Single Economic Space” is supposed to be held.

The Belarusian delegation intends to hold meetings with executives of the EBRD and other international financial organizations and with business circles of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.