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Lukashenka: Belarus views Berlusconi’s visit as gesture of support

Belarus views Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s visit as a gesture of support for the country in the international arena, Alyaksandr Lukashenka said during delegation-level Belarusian-Italian talks in Minsk on Monday, BelaPAN said.

“Your decision to visit Belarus is of fundamental importance for the development of cooperation between our countries,” the Belarusian leader told Mr. Berlusconi. “We view the arrival of the Italian leader not only in the context of bilateral relations but also as a gesture of support for Belarus in the international arena.”

As a result of steps taken by the leadership of Italy, this country has become a "significant political and economic partner of Belarus,” Mr. Lukashenka said.

“Belarus is ready for cooperation with Italy in all areas,” he said, “There are no subjects closed for discussion.”

Amid the global financial and economic crisis, Belarusian and Italian companies can and should combine their potentials to come out of the crisis stronger, Mr. Lukashenka said. Belarus will contribute to the development of such cooperation in every possible way, he noted, adding that Belarus would continue to develop ties between the two countries at the provincial level.

“Our meeting will give a clear political signal for the beginning of more active work by the governments, ministries and agencies, and the green light for carrying out joint projects,” Mr. Lukashenka said.

He stressed that the documents signed as a result of the visit would complete the creation of the legal basis for bilateral cooperation. “Our businesspeople will feel more protected and confident in establishing cooperation between each other,” he said.

Mr. Berlusconi noted that the relationship between Italy and Belarus had not yet reached the level that it could reach. “It is far below the level of our potential,” he said. “Italy is only fifth among Belarus’ trading partners and 15th in terms of investment,” he noted.

According to Mr. Berlusconi, he and Mr. Lukashenka confirmed their intention to continue developing relations. He promised to do everything possible to form a delegation of Italian businesspeople and bring it to Belarus soon. “I hope this mission will have a positive effect,” he said. “It was especially pleasant for me to hear a proposal to establish an Italian industrial district within [the] Brest [Free Economic Zone].”

He said that the customs union to be formed by Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia would provide great opportunities. “It will be a huge market where we’ll be able to supply products of our joint venture companies,” he said.