Lukashenko calls on Russia to lift restrictions in bilateral trade
MINSK. June 8 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has called on Russia to remove the existing restrictions on mutual trade and unite in the face of the economic crisis.
"Lifting some restrictions that still exist in our trade will considerably contribute to increasing the stability of our economies and increasing the wellbeing of Belarusians and Russians. The economic crisis should unite us - us participants in integration processes, make us interact on external markets, not compete," Lukashenko said during negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Minsk.
The Belarusian leader said that "unfortunately, the negative tendencies in the trade turnover between our countries still persist, although positive tendencies have emerged." According to his information, mutual trade in January-April 2016 reached $7.6 billion, which is a 12% decrease from 2015.
"But the good thing is that our coordinated actions in overcoming the consequences of economic instability have considerably slowed down the decrease in our trade turnover. Mutual trade turnover went down some 12% in the first four months of last year against 30% in the first four months of last year," Lukashenko said.
Lukashenko said he is hoping that "we can find reserves for strengthening the positive dynamics during our joint work."
The Belarusian president emphasized that he is ready to discuss any issues. "We and Russia are open to discussing any issues," he said.
He called on government officials of the two countries participating in the negotiations, "if they have any questions, to honestly and openly exchange opinions, without engaging in lengthy polemic and debate."
