Meeting with Governor of Russia's Kamchatka Krai Vladimir Solodov

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Governor of Russia's Kamchatka Krai Vladimir Solodov on 5 February.

The Belarusian leader warmly welcomed the head of the Russian region, noting that this was his first visit to Belarus in such a status. “I hope you will pay more visits to Belarus, despite a long distance,” the President added. “You are absolutely right by saying: “If you go to see good people, the distance shortens.” I want you to know that you have come to the most reliable people for any Russian.”

The governor has brought a big delegation to Belarus, which, according to the President, proves ambitious plans. The Belarusian leader assured the Russian representatives of his readiness to “engage and do his utmost” in order to boost cooperation.

The geographical remoteness of Kamchatka from Belarus should not hinder the implementation of projects, as well as friendship and cooperation, Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“I am convinced that we will be able to find opportunities to build our relations without unnecessary intermediaries. Thus, we will be able to make the products we supply back and forth much cheaper,” the head of state said.

Speaking about promising projects, the President mentioned a large-scale project to build a tidal power plant in the Penzhina Bay in the Sea of Okhotsk. “We have certain competencies. If you need us in terms of designing and building this facility, we will be glad to take part in this landmark construction,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko added that Kamchatka Krai is famous for its unique marine riches. “Cooperation in this area will be the right decision which will certainly bring benefits,” the head of state said. He added that during his visits to Russia, particularly the Far East, he often showed the interest in the supplies of fish products from such remote regions to Belarus. “Everyone tells me that it is possible to harvest, sell, and buy products somewhere nearer,” the President said. “But we would like to try to supply these products from you. We have a big deficit in this respect.” The head of state suggested that specialists work out possible direct supplies of fish products, eliminating unnecessary mediation.

Another promising area to promote cooperation is for the Russian region to set up processing facilities in Belarus, the head of state said. “If it yields profits, we need to try this. We will create the most favorable environment for work and supply of your products to any point where it will be profitable for you,” the head of state said.

The President emphasized that investments of bona fide business are reliably protected by the state in Belarus.

Belarus also has a large network of trade and logistics complexes with all necessary infrastructure, including access roads, facilities for storage and sorting of goods. “We are at your service. If you decide to build something here, we will provide necessary support,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The President also named the agro-industrial complex as an area of cooperation representing mutual interest. “Given your plans to increase self-sufficiency of Kamchatka in milk and meat, we are ready to provide the necessary equipment for agricultural complexes and dairy farms,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Belarus also has rich experience in launching dairy production facilities, including baby food.

The parties also discussed tourism development. “Every traveler dreams of visiting Kamchatka. So do I,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. The President noted that there was time when both Russians and Belarusians were fond of traveling abroad. Fortunately, the domestic tourism has been recently becoming more popular, especially in Russia. More than 1 million Russians visited Belarus in 2023.

“In short, Vladimir Viktorovich, we are ready to discuss any issue that may interest you and make the appropriate decisions,” the President emphasized. “If you are interested in any enterprises - all doors are open for you to any plants and factories. Take a look around, we are ready to lend you a shoulder and cooperate with you on mutually beneficial terms.”