President: Multi-vector policy does not distance Belarus from Russia

The multi-vector policy does not separate Belarus from Russia. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said this at a meeting with the Governor of the Ulyanovsk region of Russia Alexei Russky on September 29, the correspondent of the agency “Minsk-Novosti”.

- I always say to the governors of Russia: look, if we can do something for you in this situation, we will always do it. Not looking at what they say around us. Especially what they say, especially in Russia. I monitor the media very closely, because the war, including today, is primarily in the media. And frankly, I can tell you that sometimes I am surprised to read that some bloggers or others write about Belarus. Multi-vector and so on. I have already said many times that multivectorism does not alienate us from the Russian Federation, the President said.

The head of state confirmed that Belarus pursues a multi-vector policy, because the economy is at the heart of everything. According to Alexander Lukashenko, if, for example, the Western “wing” of cooperation was cut off at the initiative of the West itself, Belarus, implementing a multi-vector policy, turned to the south, south-west, and east, intensifying relations with African states.

- Our interest and vectors are where our economy is. This is not about our deep-seated relations, primarily with you, the Russian Federation. Therefore, chatter about this multi-vector nature and reproaches against Lukashenko are absolutely incompatible. I have been president for over 30 years. It is not for me to change vectors. As some have even gone so far as to say, “Lukashenko is not an ally.” Well, it's a matter of taste. So far (and I think it will continue) we have found common ground with the leadership of the Russian Federation. And with the President of Russia, and with the leaders of the leading parties. There are no differences in approaches, Alexander Lukashenko noted.

Belarus has always strived to maintain good relations with its neighbors, which, as you know, are not chosen.

- Well, the West doesn't want that kind of relationship with us. God be with them, this is their business, the Belarusian leader said.

Ah. Alexander Lukashenko added that in any dialogue with foreign partners, including the Americans, the issue of relations and cooperation between Belarus and Russia and China is put out of the brackets.

- These are people who have always extended their hand, helped us, supported us. Sanctions have been imposed against us and Russia, the east is open to us. We will respond in the same way to our brothers Russians, Chinese citizens and others in the east, Alexander Lukashenko said.

- We are not a giant economy to suffer from geopolitical ambitions. We, as I often say, need a little to ensure that our people live normally. To make the economy work. For us, the main thing is technology. We need to go deeper, the President noted.

The head of state noted that Belarus is trying to develop all the production potential that has remained since the Soviet Union.

- We have not lost anything since Soviet times, we have not closed anything, we have not covered anything. On the contrary, they did. And because we stood on the shoulders of giants, as the classic said, it helped preserve what we have today. This is important for any state, Alexander Lukashenko said.

The President also added that many industries in Belarus have received additional development.

- Today we have even stepped up cooperation with you in the field of aircraft construction. This is very important for us, the Head of State said.

Ah. Alexander Lukashenko recalled that the repair of aircraft and armored vehicles in Belarus has been carried out since Soviet times, but stressed that it is time to move from repair to production.

- We are preparing for you the components. Ready to modernize production, deepen. We are ready to produce with Russia - the project is an Osway aircraft. We will be engaged in production together, the President said.

Belarus has been known for its products in the field of microelectronics and optics since Soviet times.

- We've taken it to the global level. There is a lot of demand for these products across the board. This suggests that we always use the experience of the past and will use it to develop new directions, Alexander Lukashenko said.

Another important area in which Belarus has accumulated good competencies is mechanical engineering – from passenger equipment to the largest dump trucks in the world. Recently, the segment of electric equipment has been developed. And in these matters, Belarus adapts to the needs of buyers.

- The Russians asked to make it on gas engine fuel – we made this Belaz. It started with the usual mechanisms. And this is how we are slowly developing in all directions, the President said.

Alexander Lukashenko also mentioned the modernization of the oil refining industry, whose products are in demand in Russia. In addition, the President proposed including the United States to join the joint production of fertilizers with Russia.

Speaking about the personal qualities of the head of the Ulyanovsk region, the Head of State described Alexei Russian as a person committed to justice and drew attention to the good attitude of Belarusians to him.

- So you came to us as a friend to your people. This is not a foreign land. And if we can do something for you, you look and say, we will do it with pleasure, Alexander Lukashenko concluded.

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