Belarus and Ukraine are entering a new stage of strategic partnership

February 26, Minsk / Tatyana Polozhay - BELTA /. Belarus and Ukraine are entering a new stage of strategic partnership. This position was confirmed by the presidents of the two countries, Alexander Lukashenko and Viktor Yanukovych, during a meeting in Kyiv, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader. The head of the Belarusian state was on a working visit to Ukraine on February 24-25. Alexander Lukashenko took part in the events on the occasion of the inauguration of the newly elected President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych. Meeting with Viktor Yanukovych after he took the oath as President of Ukraine, Alexander Lukashenko noted that he well remembered their last meeting in Minsk. "We agreed on many things then. And no matter what they say about a different government coming to power, we have implemented those plans and agreements," stressed the head of the Belarusian state. According to him, "this shows that Ukraine has Ukrainian politicians and whoever comes to power, he will fight for Ukraine." "This is the most important thing for us, that Ukraine has politicians who will care about Ukraine," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. "There is no need for any divisions into East, West, South here. There is a country, a sovereign state with wonderful people," added the President of Belarus. In turn, Viktor Yanukovych noted that "during that meeting, the very first, strategic steps were taken," and confirmed that the action program laid down then had been implemented all these years. "A new stage is beginning in our relations, and I am ready to jointly consider the strategic directions of our cooperation, to work together with you so that our countries, economies develop, and friendly relations between peoples strengthen," said the President of Ukraine. "I will never forget the homeland of my ancestors," he added. About a hundred foreign delegations arrived in Kyiv for the inauguration ceremony of the new President of Ukraine. Therefore, this day was full of international meetings and negotiations. Talking with the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Micheline Calmy-Rey, Alexander Lukashenko noted that relations between Belarus and Switzerland have been developing well recently. "The potential for cooperation between our countries is huge and far from exhausted," said the head of the Belarusian state. He noted that he views this meeting "from the perspective of general acquaintance" and expressed his readiness to discuss the directions of cooperation between Belarus and Switzerland, as well as to discuss relations between Belarus and the European Union, given that Switzerland plays a significant role in Europe today. Alexander Lukashenko invited Micheline Calmy-Rey to visit Minsk "to talk more broadly and in detail about the problems that Belarus has to solve in its relations with the European Union." "If you have the opportunity, I will be waiting for you in Minsk and will gladly continue this conversation," he said, addressing his interlocutor. In turn, Micheline Calmy-Rey agreed that there are no problems in the relations between the two countries, and Belarus and Switzerland can mutually do even more. She also noted that, as Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, she "has set a priority goal to work on strengthening cooperation between the Council of Europe and Belarus, as Belarus is part of Europe." The President of Belarus also held a meeting in Kyiv with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski. Addressing his interlocutor, Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that there are no problems between Belarus and Poland. "I want you to proceed from this," said the head of state. "If there are any misunderstandings, they cannot be called otherwise, then we are capable of resolving them." Alexander Lukashenko stressed that the two countries have a "wonderful history of relations" and a good foundation has been laid for the future. "We have a lot of good things in our relations, especially in the economy, culture, and other areas of cooperation. And, despite the fact that Poland is a member of the European Union and has its obligations in this regard, we have not destroyed any area of cooperation," said the Belarusian leader. He also added that he was often approached by both Polish businessmen and politicians, and all issues were invariably resolved to the benefit of both sides. "We have many points of contact and they need to be developed. By doing so, we will solve the problems that we have today. We can do it," the President is convinced. "There are issues in our relations where we see Poland's sincere interest in Belarus being a strong, powerful, modern, independent state. And this is the main thing. Proceeding from this, we are capable of resolving any problems," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko, noting that "these problems have been imposed on us." "Let's move in the right direction. You will not regret it," the head of state assured the Polish side. Radoslaw Sikorski confirmed the intention of the Polish side to resolve all misunderstandings in the relations between Belarus and Poland. He believes that relations between the two countries could be significantly better. After the meeting, Alexander Lukashenko commented to journalists on the situation surrounding the Union of Poles in Belarus. The President has no doubt about its successful resolution. "In resolving any issues existing between Belarus and Poland, proceed from the fact that all 200,000, and perhaps more, people of Polish origin are our Poles, my voters. I am responsible for them and will do everything to make them feel good in Belarus," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko, addressing Polish journalists. "This is big politics. If Belarusian Poles are well, then in Poland they will also consider Belarus a good land," he added. The head of state assured that as President of Belarus, he would resolve all issues of Belarusian Poles. As for the activities of the Union of Poles in Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko noted that this union "exists and will exist as long as it deems it necessary to be." Touching upon the issue of Polish prisoners in Belarus, the President said that there are about forty thousand people in places of detention in the country, and there are significantly fewer Poles among them than representatives of other nationalities. "Do not pedal this issue. Those who ended up in places of detention wanted it themselves, because they needed a trump card. Like, look: we are poor, offended," said the Belarusian leader. "But we will find common ground with them too," emphasized the President. The head of state once again assured that he would do everything to ensure that Belarusian Poles were no worse off than Poles in Poland. As for the relations between Belarus and the European Union in general, Alexander Lukashenko said: "Belarus, Ukraine, and Poland are in Europe, and Europe cannot do without our countries. Therefore, we must negotiate and live together." As Radoslaw Sikorski noted, the Polish side is ready for a compromise search for a solution regarding the Union of Poles. "I am confident that we will quickly find an acceptable institutional solution," he stressed. "Our experts will work on this, and I will personally participate. We will establish a constructive dialogue so that both sides are satisfied." The head of the Polish MFA expressed confidence that the leadership of Belarus understands the situation, and a solution that satisfies both sides will be found. At the end of the working day, Alexander Lukashenko also met with the ex-President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko. The head of the Belarusian state thanked Viktor Yushchenko for his support of Belarus and the Belarusian people, including in the West. "The purpose of my current visit to Kyiv is also to thank you for everything you have done during your presidency. It was a sincere position of support for the Belarusian people and state," said Alexander Lukashenko. "No matter what events the Ukrainian delegation participated in, at whatever level the conversation took place in Europe or the USA, I know for sure about the most serious support from your side for our Belarusian state. I am very grateful for this," he added. Alexander Lukashenko said that when meeting with the current President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, he spoke about how Viktor Yushchenko "did a lot for Belarus in the western direction." "We would very much like this policy to be continued. And Viktor Yanukovych promised it," said the head of the Belarusian state. Assessing the past election campaign, Alexander Lukashenko noted that "the change of power in Ukraine happened very beautifully, neatly, and calmly." The President of Belarus believes that Viktor Yushchenko also deserves great credit for this. Alexander Lukashenko is convinced that the ideas of independence and statehood of Ukraine, which Viktor Yushchenko promoted, "have taken root very deeply." "Viktor Yushchenko is a great friend of Belarus, and this is forever," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. In turn, Viktor Yushchenko also noted that the elections in Ukraine were held honestly and democratically, and the country has learned to transfer power calmly. He also noted the high level of bilateral relations and their productivity. On February 25, the head of the Belarusian state also took part in a solemn reception on the occasion of the inauguration of the newly elected President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, which took place at the Ukrainian House. In the evening, Alexander Lukashenko and Viktor Yanukovych continued their communication in an informal setting. -0-