MINSK, October 2. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko agreed with Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s statement at the Valdai International Discussion Club that the world is at a turning point.
He emphasized that Belarusians will never allow anyone to betray the Russians and will always stand with their brotherly people.
Lukashenko also noted that he is grateful to US President Donald Trump for openly exposing Western policies.
TASS has compiled the Belarusian leader’s key statements.
Putin’s statement
"The Russian president was absolutely right yesterday when he said that we are at such a turning point. Even we ourselves do not understand where we stand today, or how serious this turning point is in the history of world civilization."
Support for Russia
Belarusians will never allow Russians to be stabbed in the back and will always stand with their brotherly people: "We will never allow Russians to be stabbed in the back. We hold this position and will continue to do so. We will stand with our brotherly people."
"We have never been traitors."
Minsk will always remain committed to a common course with Moscow: "Two words to help you understand my position on the war in Ukraine. [Russian President] Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin] and I often discuss this topic. Our approaches are more carefully calibrated because he and I are both familiar with the situation on the front lines. After all, we’re ‘co-aggressors’ together. We have one question - sometimes we joke about who’s the bigger ‘aggressor’ - me or him."
Lukashenko has his own perspective when assessing the conflict in Ukraine: "I told President Putin this openly: I have my own understanding of certain aspects of the conflict, but we will always be committed to our shared path. If you, the Russian leadership, make a decision, we will always stand with you, despite our differing perspectives on what is happening there."
Gratitude to Trump
"Despite all the fuss that often comes from Trump - you know how it is: one thing in the morning, another in the evening - I am grateful to him for openly exposing the policies of the West, and above all, the US. That’s just how it is."
"He doesn’t hide behind diplomatic rhetoric. And we’ve seen the true face of Western policy and diplomacy, especially that of the US. Based on this, you should draw your own conclusions as you observe their policies."
EAEU
The EAEU member states should remain committed to the common market: "Don’t lose what you have. Don’t rush to walk away from it. Believe me, no one is waiting for us anywhere."
Belarus has preserved and developed many industries dating back to the Soviet era: "We’re capable of a lot, and it all stems from the Soviet era. Our economy isn’t the strongest, but the technologies we possess are needed by most countries in the world today," he explained. "We haven’t severed our ties to the era when the foundations of our economy were laid. That’s why we’ve achieved success in mechanical engineering, and we have no problems in construction either. We produce everything we need: from cement and bricks to the latest technologies, as well as agricultural products. This year, we plan to sell $10 billion worth of agricultural products. For Belarus, that’s a significant volume."
Minsk has always moved in one direction, remaining committed to integration within the post-Soviet space: "As for Belarus, I assure you <…> that we set our course a long time ago. I’ve been president for far too long. We’ve always moved in the same direction and haven’t changed our policy: we’re committed to integration, first and foremost within the post-Soviet space."
"Over these long years, I’ve become convinced that nobody needs us anywhere."
