ArmInfo. There are no closed topics in the relations between Belarus and Armenia. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko stated this on July 2 at a meeting with President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian.
"For us, there are no closed topics with Armenia. Any of your wishes, aspirations, if you see something in Belarus acceptable to Armenia, we are always ready to open doors for you," Alexander Lukashenko assured, the press service of the Belarusian leader reports.
The head of the Belarusian state reminded that when Armen Sarkissian became the President of Armenia, an agreement was reached on his visit to Belarus to visit places of significance in terms of economic development. According to him, it was possible to put these agreements into practice now.
The President of Belarus mentioned his telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. "He called before his visit to Singapore, asked him to convey greetings to the president. I said to him: don't even think about it, we don't intend to rush him return to Armenia. Moreover, he is doing the things necessary for Armenia," the Belarusian leader said.
He suggested Armen Sarkissian to stay for some time in Belarus. "You really do not rush back. Look at what interests you from the point of view of economic development, industry, agriculture. As an intelligent person, intelligent, educated, moreover, practical you know what to see and what is important and useful for Armenia ", continued the head of state.
Alexander Lukashenko also reminded that the cooperation between Belarus and Armenia began virtually from scratch. "Today, although we do not have a huge turnover, but $ 50 million per annum is not a bad trend, if we compare it with those zero indicators," he stated.
According to him, close cooperation with representatives of the business community has been established. "We have very good, warm relations with many representatives of Armenia, including private business. You know them, my friends in Armenia, who invest in Belarus. I am very grateful," the President said.
At the same time, he stressed a single requirement for all who intend to do business in Belarus. "I have one principle: friendship is one thing, and the state is all separately. My service should not be connected with this. When they asked me to get permission for the supply of some goods especially sensitive for Belarus, I immediately said: general principles. You come to Belarus, you open an enterprise, you create jobs, you invest - please, supply raw materials, modify it, "the head of state emphasized.
According to this principle, the entrepreneur Gagik Tsarukyan organized in Belarus an enterprise for bottling Armenian brandy. "Similarly, we organized the work of the Belarusian-Armenian trading house, and, as I report, 30-40% of the trade turnover between Belarus and Armenia goes through it. That is, we have got used to the economy in terms of our cooperation, the foundation of which is the creation of joint ventures. We are ready to go this way, "added Alexander Lukashenko.
The head of state noted the good relations that have developed between the countries both at a high political level and at the level of personal relations between citizens. "To the Armenians in Belarus is a very kind, warm attitude. In general, our people are such that they do not make any special claims to any of the peoples. The main thing is that it should be based on respect, fraternal relations. We always have good relations with Armenians, and we are trying to support them, " the President added.
Despite criticism, which is sometimes heard from both sides and which, naturally, can arise in relations between the countries, cooperation between Belarus and Armenia remains strong and reliable, Lukashenko assured. "The main thing is that we are allies, we act from the same positions, we basically have no differences even on the international agenda. In this vein, we will always act," concluded the Belarusian leader. In turn, Armen Sarkissian thanked Alexander Lukashenko for the invitation to visit Belarus and attend the closing ceremony of the II European Games. "I am absolutely impressed with the scope, organization and discipline," he admitted. "It seems to me that Belarus is ready for a larger event." The President of Armenia noted a very worthy performance at the games of the athletes of his country, and also congratulated the Belarusian national team with success. Armen Sarkissian also shared his impressions of visiting the High-Tech Park, where he was pleasantly surprised by what he saw. "I really liked that Belarus is ahead of many, that Belarus understood: in the future, virtual reality will only complement," he said.
The President of Armenia highlighted the correctness of the development path chosen by Belarus and the role of the head of state who influenced this choice. "You have a vision of the future and wisdom. These are not just flattering words. This is a reality," he stressed. The heads of state exchanged gifts. Alexander Lukashenko handed over to his colleague souvenirs of the II European Games - a bog oak panel with medallions fixed on it, symbolizing 15 sports presented on the forum, an exclusive set of chocolate and a talisman of games Lesik fox. The latter, as Armen Sarkissian admitted, is very opportune. He congratulated the President of Belarus on the upcoming state holiday - Independence Day, noting that this date coincides with the birthday of his grandson, who is also called Armen and whom Armenian leader will give this Lesik. In turn, Armen Sarkissian presented Alexander Lukashenko with papyrus, which from Jerusalem, with the Our Father prayer written on it.