Aleksandr Lukashenko meets with Armenia's NSC Secretary
Belarus is eager to intensify trade and economic cooperation with Armenia and further develop relations with the CSTO, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Armenia's National Security Council (NSC) Secretary Arthur Baghdasaryan on 12 January.
The head of state stressed that Belarus and Armenia have to do a lot to promote trade and economic ties.
The President expressed regret that in 2011 the Belarusian-Armenian trade declined. "There are objective and subjective reasons," the head of state noted. He also reminded that there was a period in the history of bilateral relations when the Belarus-Armenia trade was zero. Today the two countries should do their best to increase bilateral trade as the potential to forge ties is big.
The President said that in the anticipation of Arthur Baghdasaryan's visit to Minsk, Armenia put forward a proposal to enhance relations. Armenia is keen to buy various Belarusian goods, from agricultural equipment to consumer products.
The head of state said that he will instruct the Government to enhance cooperation with Armenia. "We are ready to find ways to deliver goods you have requested to Armenia and set up joint ventures. For example, at first we can launch the assembly of some types of machines and equipment," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The second cooperation priority, according to the President, is the interaction in the CSTO. "Our countries are in one military and political block. We have no closed topics and we will continue to cooperate with you. Please feel free to send here your specialists. We are ready to discuss any cooperation matters," the head of state said.
He also thanked Armenia for cooperation in international organizations. In his words, the recent international events prove that Belarus and Armenia have similar positions on many issues.
Aleksandr Lukashenko confirmed that Belarus will do its best to promote friendship with Armenia and implement all agreements with this country.
Arthur Baghdasaryan, in turn, noted that Belarus is Armenia's ally and strategic partner. The official expressed confidence that the Armenian side will develop this strategic cooperation. He is convinced that the visit will help strengthen Belarus-Armenia trade, economic, military, and technical cooperation.