Lukashenko: Belarus and Turkey can reach a new level in their relations

MINSK (BelTA) – Belarus and Turkey are capable of reaching a new level in the development of their relations. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement during restricted-attendance talks with Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Minsk on 11 November, BelTA has learned.

The Belarusian head of state said: “I am convinced that as a result of your visit we will be capable of reaching yet another level in the development of our relations.”

“We have virtually no political differences of opinion. We have common views on the international agenda. The relations via diplomatic channels are very good,” stated Alexander Lukashenko. “Yes, our trade and economic relations are slightly behind our personal and interstate relations. But even in this regard the dynamics is positive and good progress has been secured.” 

Alexander Lukashenko assured Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Belarus' sincere attitude towards the friendly state of Turkey. “Our friendship and relations have passed the test of time. You can rest assured that our relations are solid. Belarus will always be predictable for Turkey. Our policy will always conform to the policy you've been pursuing for more than one year,” stated the Belarusian head of state.

The Belarus President remarked that personal relations play a major role in interstate relations. “If we take into account this factor, I can say that the relations between me and you have existed for a long time. They have existed for more than ten years already,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

The Belarusian head of state thanked the Turkey President for bringing about 200 representatives and top executives of major Turkish companies as part of his delegation to Minsk. “We are going to open a Belarusian-Turkish forum. About 300 companies have been registered as participants. It may be the largest forum on record in the history of independent Belarus in terms of the number of companies,” noted the head of state.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he was happy to visit Belarus and stressed that Turkey was the first state to recognize Belarus' independence.

Alexander Lukashenko remarked that it was the first visit of Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Belarus. The Belarusian head of state said he was confident that his Turkish counterpart will like the country despite the unfavorable weather. 

“I think that within a short period of time we will be able to lift the trade turnover to billion, it is not that difficult,” the Turkish leader believes. He also mentioned the fact that the inflow of Turkish investments to Belarus is rather big. These figures are expected to increase thanks to the high-level visit of the Turkish delegation.