Belarus-Russia cooperation unaffected by WTO entry

MINSK, 18 July (BelTA) – Russia’s accession to the WTO is no threat to Belarus-Russia cooperation, Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich told the press conference held after the session of the Union State Council of Ministers in Minsk on 18 July.

“There is no threat to Belarus. Future trade, economic and investment cooperation will only grow larger,” remarked Mikhail Myasnikovich.

According to the Prime Minister, mass media speculations about Russia’s accession to the WTO have been wild. It has been claimed that Belarus will find itself in a tight spot because of it. “It is totally not true,” remarked Mikhail Myasnikovich. The Belarusian and Russian sides are discussing these matters and making decisions. “We have agreed, have made decisions that allow one to be confident that trade, economic and investment cooperation will only grow larger,” said Mikhail Myasnikovich. He stressed that Belarus and Russia do not try to avoid discussing some complicated matters. “We are not avoiding the issues, which are indeed present and are not simple”. Mikhail Myasnikovich thanked his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev for it.

BelTA