France President in favor of closer economic relations with Belarus

PARIS, 25 February (BelTA) – President of France Francois Hollande supports the need to intensify economic relations with Belarus. The French head of state made this statement in a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to France Pavel Latushko following the ceremony of presenting credentials on 22 February.

The ceremony took place at the Elysee Palace. Foreign ambassadors were saluted by the National Guard of France.

Talking to Pavel Latushko Francois Hollande spoke in favor of intensifying economic relations between France and Belarus, praising the efforts Belarus is making in this direction.

In turn, the Belarusian diplomat stressed that he sees assistance in fostering trade and economic cooperation as well as development of cultural relations as a priority of his diplomatic mission in France. According to Pavel Latushko, today’s level of the Belarusian-French economic cooperation does not meet the potential of the two countries.

The diplomat stressed that Belarus historically belongs to the common pan-European space, the Belarusian culture makes part of the European culture and has made a considerable contribution to its development. Belarus and France are also closely united by culture. Marc Chagall, Chaim Soutine, Adam Mickiewicz, Ossip Zadkine, and other outstanding people who made great contribution to the development of Belarusian, French as well as European cultures were all born on the Belarusian land.

The President of France was presented with a painting of modern Belarusian artist Oleg Skovorodko “A Walk”.