The trade between Belarus and Ukraine may double to reach $15 billion in the near future, Vice Premier of Belarus Mikhail Rusy said in his speech at a solemn meeting to mark Independence Day of Ukraine on 5 September.

On behalf of the Belarus’ authorities the Vice Premier congratulated Ukraine on the national holiday and expressed confidence in the further development of the Belarusian-Ukrainian relations. He stressed that Belarus and Ukraine are tied by historical roots of friendships and brotherhood.

In turn, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Belarus Mikhail Yezhel noted that the Ukrainian-Belarusian relations have been steadily developing. The main principles they are based on include respect of the national sovereignty and the national interests of each other.

“Belarus is one of our main trading partners. Last year’s trade of the record high $7.5 billion testifies to the fact. And it is only the beginning. I think we are able to increase this figure twofold,” the diplomat said.

“I am glad to note that our countries have demonstrated a strong political will, a commitment to the realization of the existing potential for searching and addressing the most important goals of the bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the two nations,” Mikhail Yezhel said. He emphasized the importance of the visit of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to Ukraine in summer 2013 and achievement of the concrete results securing sustainable development of cooperation between the two countries in the future.

According to the Ambassador, “there are no areas in the Ukrainian-Belarusian cooperation outside our attention.”  


 

BelTA