Negotiations with Moldova Prime Minister Pavel Filip

Moldova can count on Belarus as a reliable partner open for cooperation in all avenues, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Prime Minister of Moldova Pavel Filip on 6 June.

The head of state emphasized that Belarus is happy to welcome guests from Moldova. Aleksandr Lukashenko has visited this country several times. “This is a warm place, not only because the climate is warm but also because there are good people in Moldova similar to hardworking Belarusians,” he said.

The Belarusian leader also spoke about the economy. “During the recent meeting with the Moldovan President I said that we had never tried to close from you even in the most difficult times. We did our best to facilitate your work on the Belarusian market. If you want, you can use it to advance to the Eurasian market or to the East,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

He assured that Belarus will pursue the same policy in relation to Moldova in the future. The head of state thanked for the assistance and support that Moldova provides to Belarus in the western direction. “Indeed, Moldovan people treat us like brothers, pay attention to our problems and support us, try to explain to certain ardent politicians in Europe what Belarus is like and what policy it pursues,” he added.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, Belarus is ready to share its best practices and experience with Moldova just like it was doing in Soviet times. “We began to develop together, set up joint enterprises, did not see any obstacles. All that contributed to the normal operation, even the survival of our states. I think that we should not lose it,” he remarked.

The President emphasized that Moldova can count on Belarus. “We have always been and will be reliable partners for you. Moreover, we do not make products that you can offer.” The head of state noted that if Moldovan companies keep prioritizing quality, they will be present on the Belarusian market.

The Belarusian leader deems it necessary to expand the establishment of joint ventures, for example, to produce baby food and juices which can be then exported to other markets. Aleksandr Lukashenko also said that the Belarusian side will always welcome the expansion of Moldova’s presence on its market.

Pavel Filip, in turn, said the relations between the two states have reached a high level. “When Moldova was going through hard times, Belarus extended a helping hand in a very open, sincere and friendly way. For example, it happened a few years ago when we had problems on some markets in the CIS countries. We will not forget this and we will do our utmost to keep these good relations,” he said.

The head of government drew attention to the constant exchange of visits at different levels. For example, yesterday Minsk played host to a meeting of the intergovernmental commission to discuss the prospects for cooperation. After a slight downturn in the economic relations last year, the trade picked up in the first quarter of 2017. Pavel Filip views investment cooperation as an important area. Moldova is home to more than 67 companies with the Belarusian capital.

According to the prime minister, Moldova is hope to the facilities assembling Belarusian trolleybuses and tractors. The head of government stressed that the Belarusian equipment, with its good value for money, is highly appreciated in the country.

During the talks the Aleksandr Lukashenko and Pavel Filip reaffirmed the commitment of the two sides to the further development of bilateral cooperation.