Lukashenko reaffirms Belarus’ commitment to integration in post-Soviet space
MINSK, 2 October (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko reaffirmed the country’s commitment to integration, primarily within the post-Soviet space during a meeting with the heads of delegations participating in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting in Minsk on 2 October, BelTA has learned.
“I want to assure you (and you cannot reproach me for anything): we set our course a long time ago. We have always adhered to it and have not changed our policy – we are committed to integration, primarily within the post-Soviet space,” the head of state emphasized.
Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that over his long tenure leading the country, he has become convinced of the fierce competition in the world, where everyone strives to protect their own markets. “It is not so easy to professional schools and expertise. That is why we have not ruined anything. We are committed primarily to our, as it is commonly referred to today, post-Soviet market. Because we are not welcome anywhere else,” the head of state declared.
When the Soviet Union existed, all its countries naturally formed a unified economic space, a common market. Perhaps it was somewhat over-regulated, as proponents of a market economy pointed out. This criticism grew particularly loud after the collapse of the Soviet Union. “We were taught that the market would regulate everything. Nothing of the sort. Elements of a planned economy lie at the heart of all processes,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The head of state pointed out that state-level planning exists in many market economies, such as Japan and the United States.
Belarus also utilizes planning in its development, thereby preserving the positive experience and heritage of the Soviet era. According to the president, this is a wise and effective approach – when a state does not deny its past and sees the prospects of the future, it allows for the achievement of significant results.
China is one of the most striking examples of a state that has achieved outstanding success thanks to such a strategy. Aleksandr Lukashenko shared that during one of his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he wondered how China had made such a breakthrough to become virtually a global economic leader. In response, the Chinese leader noted that they had discarded nothing from their past experience and history.
Belarus is doing the same. “We have followed this path – we have not ruined or discarded anything from Soviet times,” the president emphasized. “We approached privatization with extreme caution. In sectors where the state couldn’t deliver or lagged behind the private sector, we stepped away, selling off and privatizing those enterprises. But we were in no rush to do so. That is why the state still maintains a very strong foothold in our economy.”
“We did not destroy anything, we did not try to show that we were smarter than those who created everything back then,” the head of state pointed out. “We preserved all of it.” Building upon the pre-existing scientific and industrial traditions, Belarus has enhanced various sectors, creating new and sometimes unique products. The most advanced achievements were showcased at the INNOPROM. Belarus expo, held these days in Minsk.
Aleksandr Lukashenko particularly highlighted domestic developments in the fields of mechanical engineering, machine tool building, and agriculture. A special emphasis was placed on the fact that Belarusians always strictly honor their commitments based on the “a promise made is a promise kept” principle. This is achieved, among other things, by maintaining state control over the economy, the president emphasized.
The president also noted that not only civilian sectors but also the defense industry is rooted in Soviet times, and sometimes even in an earlier period. Currently, Belarus relies heavily on Russia’s capabilities in this area. “We rely on Russia’s weapons production. We buy only Russian equipment,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “But we are already doing a lot ourselves, especially drawing from the experience of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. We see what is happening there and draw the conclusions.”
Speaking about cooperation with EAEU countries, Aleksandr Lukashenko assured that Belarus is always ready to help to the best of its ability and do everything necessary for its partners. “If we can do something, we must definitely help. We are not global nations like Russia or Kazakhstan, of course, but we can do something. No matter how difficult it is for us today, we always try to help. You can always count on us,” the president said.
“We will never betray our common interests, and we do not make empty statements. No matter how difficult it gets, we will solve our common problems,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.