BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

26/01/2009

Belarus in energy, transport negotiations with European Commission

Belarus vigorously negotiates matters relating to power engineering and transport with the European Commission, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting with a delegation of the movement of French enterprises MEDEF on January 26, reported Belta.

"At present Belarusian ministries are vigorously negotiating with the European Commission about energy and transport matters. New contacts are established in agriculture, customs and nature protection," said the head of state.

"It is clear now that the European Union and several other international institutions as well as governments of European countries have begun to understand the importance of Belarus as an equal partner," remarked Alexander Lukashenko. The opening of the European Commission representation in Minsk and the invitation for Belarus to partake in the Eastern Partnership initiative confirm it.

Alexander Lukashenko also underscored he believes the present visit is a good sign of the expanding Belarusian-French relations, especially those in the trade and economic sphere. In his opinion, the present meeting smoothly fits the initiated process of invigorating the relations with European countries.

The head of state also pointed out the growing trade turnover between Belarus and the European Union. In January-November 2008 the trade exceeded $21 billion, almost 43% up on the same period of 2007. Belarusian-French foreign trade relations also demonstrate high growth. "It is a good base one can rely on to confidently advance. I am convinced that your economic and investment interest in Belarus is not accidental," stressed Alexander Lukashenko.

The President thanked Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Belarus Mireille Musso for the efforts aimed at promoting the Belarusian-French relations. "I know views of France Ambassador Mireille Musso very well. The visit wouldn't have happened without your efforts. I am very thankful to you for doing a lot for smoothing Belarus' relations with France and the European Union within the short time you have been in the country," the Belarusian head of state told the Ambassador of France.

Source:

http://capital.trend.az/?show=news&newsid=1408231&catid=616&subcatid=&lang=en

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