Belarus intends to refine Kazakh oil at its refineries. This was announced by Alexander Lukashenko in an interview with Kazakh television on December 2. In total, according to the head of state, there are over 30 joint projects, established between the two countries. The majority of these projects are implemented by Belarus on the territory of Kazakhstan.
With regard to energy cooperation, Alexander Lukashenko said: «You are welcome with great pleasure.» According to the Belarusian leader, Belarus will refine Kazakh oil with the following supplies of petroleum products to the world market. «Having processed oil at our facilities, we will supply its products jointly with you to the European, Russian, Belarusian and Ukrainian market,» BelTA quotes the words of President.
Lukashenko Expects Simple Solutions to Significant CU Issues
Alexander Lukashenko also speculated on the functioning of the Customs Union. «This is a very serious cooperation,» noted the President. However, the head of state, despite the difficulties in relations with Russia, expects a simpler solution to substantive issues after the transition to the Single Economic Space of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia.
«We have a certain misunderstanding with the Russian side, but once we’ve decided on CES, it should be understood that everything here is be subordinated to the main idea — free movement of goods, labor and capital,» Alexander Lukashenko said.
The Belarusian leader notes that the countries are making their first steps in this aspect of cooperation and so long there are more expectations than efficiency. However, according to a politician, the first phase of the Customs Union (in particular, the decision-making and coordination phase) indicates no difficulties, and «even if they do exist, they are settled at the level of experts and members of the CU Commission.»
«The main thing now is to move from this first stage to a single economic space,» the Belarusian leader said. Regarding the visa issue, the president said that it’s not a problem in Belarus. «This is a question for the Europeans. It seems to me that we are not far from solving these problems,» the Belarusian leader said.
According to Alexander Lukashenko, EU residents are interested in the free movement both within Belarus and further — to Russia and Kazakhstan. «Therefore, I think they will make appropriate decisions,» Alexander Lukashenko said.
