Lukashenka: If Russia does not change policy, we will leave for other markets
Belarus President Aliaksandr Lukashenka. Reuters image.
If Russia does not change its policy [towards Belarus], we will leave for other markets, Belarus President Aliaksandr Lukashenka today said when meeting with the head of Russia's Republic of Karelia Artur Parfenchikov in Minsk. The talks focused not only on the supplies of Belarusian products to this Russian region but on the trade between Belarus and Russia in general.
Lukashenka noted that the Russian market was of benifit to Belarus because of its proximity, in the first place. "I am confident that the Russian market will be enough for us forever," President Lukashenka is quoted by his press office as saying. He is convinced that the Russians block Belarusian goods not because of its poor quality but "simply due to competition." At the same time, they accuse Belarusians of dumping for the same reason.
The Belarus president reckons these problems can be resolved through negotiations. However, the government has been tasked to diversidy markets while the attacks on Belarusian goods in Russia continue. "It is an axiom for any state. One should not limet itself to the most friendly and brotherly state - one market - without having others in reserve... If Russia continues its policy, we will of course be leaving for other markets."
