2 Nov 2017 12:14

Lukashenko, Poroshenko meet in UAE

MINSK. Nov 2 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko met in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, the Belarusian state news agency BelTA said.

"As for political interaction, we don't have problems. We are absolutely following the course that we agreed to follow," Lukashenko told the Ukrainian president, according to BelTA.

The presidents have found a way to meet and discuss their relations even far from their countries, Lukashenko said.

"Now we have the opportunity to discuss issues that probably need additional momentum from us. I want to assure you that we have always kept our promises. I want to guarantee that to you for the future," Lukashenko said.

The meeting also addressed the issue of trade and economic cooperation.

"We are working together very actively in the trade-economic sphere. Our trade turnover, despite various problems and obstacles, has now exceeded $3 billion, it's probably somewhere around $3.5 billion now. But we have a very good opportunity to broaden cooperation through interaction between regions," Lukashenko said.

He said he is confident that the first forum of regions of Belarus and Ukraine, which is expected to be held in Gomel, will contribute to the development of relations between the countries.

Poroshenko, for his part, talked about work to implement agreements achieved earlier, from demarcation issues to trade-economic cooperation. "I am monitoring this issue," Poroshenko said.

He said he is pleased that the countries are broadening their cooperation in various areas, including the economy and the social sphere.

Lukashenko is in the UAE on a working visit. He is scheduled to have talks with the country's administration and meet with businessmen.

Poroshenko also went to the UAE for a working visit on November 1-2. He was previously in Saudi Arabia.