President of Moldova Igor Dodon in Vitebsk: visit to Belarus exceeded all expectations
Alexander Lukashenko noted that he has great respect for Moldova and its people. "For some reason, they say in Moldova: 'We are a small state, such a small people.' This is a great people, this is a normal state by Central European standards," the Belarusian leader stated.
A special feature of Igor Dodon's visit to Belarus was the visit to a number of enterprises and cultural sites even before the meeting with Alexander Lukashenko. "You have seen Belarus, you have, one might say, felt it in industry, in agriculture. You have visited cultural sites, seen how we treat memory. We are not publicizing ourselves or telling how unhappy we are and how hard it was for us in the war. We cherish this memory," emphasized Alexander Grigoryevich and added: "Your prelude to our meeting is very valuable. I can talk to you as a person who has come to know Belarus."
In turn, Igor Dodon admitted that his visit to Belarus exceeded all his expectations.
– These one and a half days allowed me to feel what I had seen on television. I had certain expectations, but everything I saw is much higher than them, – said Igor Dodon.
The President of Moldova is accompanied by a large delegation, advisors on various issues, during his visit.
– There are good ideas concerning both industrial enterprises and agriculture. I think that after this working visit, we will be able to raise our bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level, – he is convinced.
Igor Dodon noted that even before the visit, he had read a lot about Belarusian enterprises, watched reports about them, and recently had the opportunity to see everything in person.
– I am very glad that you were able to preserve this and raise it to a new level, – said the President of Moldova. – We have something to learn from. I say this honestly, openly. I have seen enterprises in the European Union, but the level at which industry has risen in Belarus is only a dream for us at this stage. We intend to launch joint projects more deeply in some areas.
Igor Dodon also drew attention to Belarus's efforts to preserve the memory of the victims of the Great Patriotic War.
– We have a common Victory. A third of Belarusians gave their lives for us to win the Great Patriotic War together, – he emphasized and said that in Moldova, various attempts are being made to rewrite history and even rename Victory Day to Europe Day.
– We will and must protect May 9 for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Everything connected with the Great Patriotic War is sacred to us, – declared the President of Moldova.
Regarding international cooperation, according to Igor Dodon, Moldova expects to obtain observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union in October at the summit of the heads of state – members of the organization. This is a very important step for the country.
– Moldova is destined to be friends with everyone – both with the West and with the East. We have no other options. If we do not resume strategic partnership with our traditional partners, we will not survive in Moldova, – noted Igor Dodon.
– Therefore, I hope that the positive dynamics in cooperation will continue within international organizations.
Based on materials from BelTA.