Main -  News -  Republic

Zaborovsky: Belarus will not choose between East, West

22.05.2015

RIGA, 22 May (BelTA) – Belarus is against the approach that involves making a choice between the East and the West, Belarusian First Deputy Economy Minister Alexander Zaborovsky told journalists on 21 May, BelTA has learned.

"The dilemma between the East and the West, Russia and Brussels, which is currently forced upon us, stems from the times of the Cold War. Belarus is against such an approach. We are ready to cooperate with everyone who wants to cooperate with us," Alexander Zaborovsky stressed.

He added that the development prospects of transit potential were discussed with European partners on 21 May. "We spoke about the transit of products that will be made in Belarus, for example, at the Belarus-China industrial park," Alexander Zaborovsky noted.

He believes that the fact that Belarus has been strengthening ties with China makes it more attractive for European countries. "Many European companies have shown interest in cooperation with Belarus in logistics and offered us new projects thanks to the fact that we are implementing this large-scale project of the industrial park," Alexander Zaborovsky said.

He emphasized that, under the current conditions, the priority should be placed on the pragmatic and economic aspects of cooperation. "When economic risks are growing, markets are slowing down, and currency fluctuations are unpredictable, we should understand that by creating favorable conditions for business and developing dialogue we will be able to jointly address the economic challenges and make our common European house more competitive. Economic pragmatism and effectiveness are our priorities. We are pleased to see that our European colleagues take the same approach to the economic component," Alexander Zaborovsky noted.

Besides, he pointed out that the Belarusian delegation at the business forum of the Eastern Partnership Initiative held in Riga on 21 May is among the largest ones. It comprises over 30 people, including representatives of business associations and big companies.

Новости Беларуси (БЕЛТА)