Lukashenko on Belarus's cooperation with St. Petersburg: the results are impressive

The results of cooperation between Belarus and St. Petersburg are impressive. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting with the Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov, Belta correspondent reports.

According to the head of state, in 2022, trade turnover increased by almost half a billion dollars, reaching a record $2.2 billion. "Not every country in the world can boast of such trade turnover as ours," the President noted. This year, the growth trend continues. In January-February alone, an increase of 1.4 times was recorded, and in the export of Belarusian products - 1.7 times. "This is primarily due to our very close and interested attitude towards St. Petersburg. I know that you also have a great interest in Belarus. Be sure: we are ready to give our last, but to implement what we have agreed upon," said Alexander Lukashenko.

At the same time, the President positively assessed the approach of the St. Petersburg leadership to solving the tasks set: if they take on an issue, they solve it on a large scale, with high quality, and, most importantly, on time. "I want to assure you that the same approach will be from Belarus towards Petersburg," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko.

He thanked the leadership of St. Petersburg for the opportunity for Belarusian enterprises to participate in the large-scale transport reform of the city's passenger fleet. "Believe me, we will do everything to ensure that our dear people in Petersburg receive the most modern and high-quality product from Belarus," the head of state assured. According to him, in 2022, more than a thousand MAZ buses entered the city routes of the Northern Capital, and deliveries of "Belkommunmash" trolleybuses continue. St. Petersburg has plans to purchase buses with the largest capacity. "This is correct, we are also following this path. I think we will be of interest to you in this regard," the President suggested.

"We welcome St. Petersburg's plans to use electric buses. Minsk has accumulated serious experience in operating this novelty. We are ready to share it if you are interested," Alexander Lukashenko continued.

Belarusian utility vehicles have proven themselves well during their operation on the streets of St. Petersburg last winter. In this regard, the President of Belarus recalled an incident when the President of Russia decided to show his hometown to foreign leaders. "Nobody expected this," Alexander Lukashenko said. "I was generally amazed by the cleanliness and order in St. Petersburg, at least where I visited. I thought that Minsk was the cleanest city. I came here, and we had a substantive conversation with the mayor in Minsk. I said: we need to go to St. Petersburg to learn how to clean. Although my words were somehow criticized by some media outlets in your country. I was surprised by this. But I said what I saw."

Continuing the conversation about possible areas of cooperation, the head of state mentioned the implementation of a lift equipment modernization program in St. Petersburg. Alexander Lukashenko assured that the domestic company "Mogilevliftmash" will meet the demands of St. Petersburg, despite its high workload and the number of applications from other buyers of lift equipment.

"The issue of food security is invariably present in our bilateral dialogue. Food supplies consistently rank first in the structure of Belarusian exports to St. Petersburg, accounting for 40 percent or more. We value this very much, Alexander Dmitrievich," the President emphasized. "I often tell the President of Russia: we have success with St. Petersburg, but with Moscow – alas, not very much (and this is also our own fault). We would like to work in both capitals of Russia. But with St. Petersburg, we have very warm, good relations in this regard, and they are visible in practice."

The head of state placed a special emphasis on the quality of Belarusian food products, which is ensured, in part, by the GOST standards preserved since Soviet times. "Today, we are getting a decent effect from this. Last year alone, we traded over $8 billion in food products. No other sector brought us as much income as this one. And this is due to quality. Our food products have proven themselves in Russia," he said.

The discussion also covered the possibilities of increasing tourist exchanges. "Perhaps we should start by organizing the most convenient transport links. In the future, we will create joint tourist products and combine visits to the Northern Capital and Belarus," suggested Alexander Lukashenko.

"In general, there is work to be done in all areas - humanitarian, industrial, and agricultural," the head of state concluded.

Source: belta.by