Lukashenko answers dozens of questions in over 7-hour dialogue with journalists

MINSK (BelTA) - An open dialogue of Alexander Lukashenko with Belarusian and foreign journalists lasted more than seven hours, which is an absolute record of such meetings, BelTA has learned.

The President's current meeting with the media was held in a new format. It was not a regular press conferences but rather an open dialogue, during which journalists asked questions and expressed their views on all issues.

At the beginning of the meeting, the head of state noted that there were no closed topics, and expressed his willingness to field any questions from Belarusian and foreign journalists. "Problems and issues are many. Let's talk about them in an open and constructive manner," the President suggested.

The journalists asked dozens of questions on a variety of topics: foreign and domestic policies of Belarus, economic and financial situation in the country, export diversification, personnel policy and wage issues in construction industry, housing and utility services, corruption, the response of government agencies to the criticism in mass media, communication between government officials and journalists. The conversation dealt with the Ukrainian topics and overall problems of security and peace. The meeting also touched upon the cooperation with Russia, the interaction within the framework of integration associations, including the State Union, the Eurasian Economic Union, and on the relations with the West. Alexander Lukashenko focused on cooperation with China, and many other topics.

The President gave honest, open and detailed answers to all questions.