Meeting with head of Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov

The development of industrial cooperation should be a key avenue of interaction of Belarus and the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov on 25 September.

The head of state remarked that Belarus pays much attention to the development of multilateral cooperation with Russian regions. “We are building brotherly relations with representatives of the multiethnic Russia. Today we can see a serious trend toward the strengthening of our relations,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“We know a lot about the development of the Chechen Republic and are very glad for you. You have made much progress in restoring your piece of land from ruins and ashes, building confidence in people,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “The Chechen Republic is a very promising and authoritative region for us. As for the economic relations, we would like not only to cooperate with Grozny but also to work in the Caucasus with you. We can build joint enterprises there, sell and buy products in your region, both in the south and in the north.”

The President is convinced that this interaction has a great potential. “But this pertains to only high-tech products which are in demand in your region and in Russia in general today,” the head of state emphasized.

Industrial cooperation should be a key avenue of interaction, Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced. This is the most progressive mutually beneficial form of cooperation which helps meet the demand of the regional market and create new high-tech jobs. “I am so glad for you. It is great that you are focused on advanced technologies because they are the future. If you were focused on the things of today, you would be lagging behind in a year or two. Instead, you take on very serious projects, and we are ready to join them, to find our niche there,” the President said.

The head of state pointed out the possibility to expand cooperation in view of the car production launch in the Chechen Republic. “Some of our enterprises, for example, Avtokomponenty, have the experience of cooperation with Russia. We can cooperate with you. Of course, you can buy these vehicle components in any other country, you can agree with any businessman. But we guarantee good quality and prices, we are very responsible partners. Our state is responsible for such things,” he said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that it is very important to have a responsible partner. For example, Belarus lost hundreds of millions of dollars because of cooperation with irresponsible partners. “We do not have any problems with you because your state structure relies on very strong authority, there is strong influence on all sectors. It is the same in Belarus,” the President added.

He suggested developing cooperation in machine-building. Belarus has been a leading republic in this field since the Soviet Union. Petrochemistry is a promising industry. “We can offer our services in oil extraction and processing if you are interested. Our company Belorusneft is working in many parts of the world,” the head of state emphasized.

Special attention was drawn to the production of passenger and municipal equipment. “Look at it, if you like it, you can use it in Chechnya. We can set up a joint venture and produce this equipment together,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Belarusian specialists can also take part in the development of agriculture and rural areas in general in the Chechen Republic. “The Caucasus has always been famous for its rural development. I am convinced that rural areas will always be a priority in the Caucasus. Perhaps, you can fund something useful in Belarus,” the President added.

Particular attention should be drawn to the development of tourism, the head of state believes.

“We are absolutely open to you: you can look and learn. You can share your best practices with us, we will share ours. But this visit should mark the beginning of good cooperation with your region,” Aleksandr Lukashenko concluded.

Ramzan Kadyrov, in turn, said that Chechnya is interested in developing cooperation with Belarus and added that people living in the Caucasian region respect the Belarusian leader very much.

“I can say that I have been dreaming of a personal meeting with you because, as you have just said, for all these years we have felt and still feel your support. You are respected very much in the Caucasus, people like your univocal position. You are building the state, protecting the interests of your people at the highest level. We are interested in your country. And our countries have been connected by friendly brotherly relations for a long time,” he said.

Ramzan Kadyrov agreed that the development of interregional cooperation strengthens the Belarusian-Russian relations in general. “We have been studying the economy of your country for several years. Our government is working, we have understanding. I am convinced that the today’s meeting will help develop our relations in the economic, industrial, and agricultural dimensions,” the head of the Chechen Republic said.