Meeting with Head of Russia’s Sakha Republic (Yakutia) Aisen Nikolayev

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Head of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) of Russia Aisen Nikolayev on 30 September.

Aleksandr Lukashenko warmly welcomed the head of the Russian region to the Belarusian land: “Your delegation is of great interest to us. Your land is so unusual, so romantic, including for me, though I know Russia very well. Vast stretches of land, abundance of natural resources. Yet, most importantly, your people are very courageous and hardworking. The President drew attention to some common features of the peoples of Belarus and Yakutia, in particular their determination.

According to the President, there are many areas where bilateral cooperation can be fruitful. Pressure from the West is an additional impetus to establish closer ties. “I mean fascist Western sanctions. I tell every Russian governor: if something is banned, buy it from Belarus. We will probably be able to replace Western goods to a great extent,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

For example, Yakutia’s mining companies need to replace imported machinery, while Belarus produces such trucks. Large-scale investment projects in this industry allow increasing supplies several times. “The famous dump trucks of the Belarusian automobile plant BelAZ will help to over-fulfill all Yakutia's mining plans. Our heavy-duty trucks have proven themselves excellently in the regions of the Russian Federation,” the President said.

In particular, products of the Niva-Holding enterprise from Soligorsk are an excellent alternative to Western models, the company offers products and services tailored to the needs of every customer. “We offer comprehensive solutions. If you opt for our machines and equipment, Belarus will be able to arrange a multi-brand service center in Yakutia if there are enough machines to provide service to,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.

One of the topics at the meeting dealt with the construction sector and the possibility of involving Belarusian specialists in construction projects. Yakutia is experiencing a boom in the industrial sector. Ore-dressing plants, underground mines are built, and mineral deposits are explored. “Thus, workforce is needed. And people want to live in normal, comfortable conditions, especially in your harsh region. You are doing the right thing by building new modern neighborhoods in Yakutsk and Neryungri. We do the same by developing large production facilities,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. The President noted that Belarus has excellent construction specialists and high standards of urban infrastructure. And domestic design and construction organizations are ready to work with Yakutia.

During their stay in Belarus, members of the Russian delegation intend to visit Gomel-based Kristall, a unique enterprise that cuts diamonds. “We have begun to cooperate more intensively with your enterprises. I am sure that your visit will give an additional boost to this work,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Another important topic that merits consideration has to do with launching direct supplies of Belarusian food products using container shipping. “If you are ready to submit a list of products that are of interest to you, we will be able to increase deliveries very quickly,” the head of state assured.

At the same time, cooperation with Yakutia should not be limited to the economy alone, Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked. It should include humanitarian contacts and participation in sports competitions, including those specific to Yakutia. “We have many sports where we can compete with you. Yet, we will appreciate if you teach us your specific sports,” the President noted. He also recalled that this year Belarus took part in the Children of Asia International Sports Games that were held in Yakutia, and performed well there.

The head of state thanked Aisen Nikolayev for his interest in Belarus and his willingness to cooperate, despite the significant distance. The President also guaranteed that all agreements reached would be implemented in full and on time. “Thank you again for coming from so afar, but we care a lot about this land, just like for any Russian region. We actively cooperate with Sakhalin and Vladivostok. Well, you are halfway between us. “So you are not that far from us,” Aleksandr Lukashenko concluded.

Aisen Nikolayev, in turn, noted that this is his first visit to Belarus and it was a great honor for him to meet in person. “We highly appreciate the opportunity to expand cooperation with Belarus within the framework of allied relations between our countries. I would like to sincerely thank you for your work, commitment to promoting inter-regional cooperation,” he said.

“You said it absolutely right. These fascist Western sanctions have made us stronger. It was grist to our mill. We have been growing at a rate of about 7-8% per year in the last four years. We are one of the fastest growing regions in Russia,” the head of the region noted.