MINSK, 24 July (BelTA) – The state support for agricultural industry in Belarus and Russia will be discussed at the joint session of agricultural ministries of the two countries in September 2009, Agriculture Minister of Belarus Semyon Shapiro told reporters on 24 July. “We would like to discuss the harmonization of our agricultural policy, in particular, the state support for the agricultural industry,” Semyon Shapiro said. According to him, three task groups have been set up to...

MINSK, 23 July (BelTA) – Belarus is not going to make a choice between Russia and the European Union, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said in a meeting with chiefs of Belarus’ foreign diplomatic missions on 23 July. The head of state stressed that Belarus will not be developing cooperation with the EU at the expense of Russia and vice versa. “It is important to understand that Belarus’ independence is multi-directed which implies independence from all. I am sure that honest...

MINSK, 22 July (BelTA) – Belarus and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will continue working on the text of the EBRD strategy for Belarus for 2010-2013. The document is expected to be approved by the EBRD Board of Directors by the end of 2009. This is one of the main results of a visit of EBRD experts to Minsk on 21-22 July, BelTA learnt from the Foreign Ministry press service. The mission included EBRD seniour banker Paul-Henry Forestier, EBRD political...

MINSK, 21 July (BelTA) – President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko urges not to believe the gossip and speculations spread by some mass media that claim that Belarus would abandon Russia. The President made the relevant statement as he met with Sergei Stepashin, Chairman of the Russian Audit Chamber, on 21 July. “We will never leave Russia just like Russia will never leave us,” said the President of Belarus. “All the things they write about it are total lies and a deliberate...

MINSK, 20 July (BelTA) – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met with participants of the Minsk 2009 Bike Festival which was held in the Belarusian capital on 18 July, BelTA learnt from the presidential press service. The event with the participation of bikers from various countries of Europe was held near the Minsk Sport Palace within the framework of the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazi invaders. The main goal of the event was to...

MINSK, 17 July (BelTA) – In the modern world increasing the effectiveness of efforts meant to preserve and build up the economic potential and maintain decent living standards for people should be the key task for Belarus. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made the statement at a government session held on 17 July to discuss current matters regarding the country’s social and economic development. The head of state said that negative tendencies in the economic development of the...

MINSK, 16 July (BelTA) – Setting up research and production complexes as well as major centres for researching and manufacturing innovative products should become the optimal way for developing scientific institutions. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he presented degree certificates to elected academicians and corresponding members of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. The existing scientific schools can in no way be destroyed, stressed the head of...

MINSK, 14 July (BelTA) – President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko urged paying special attention to the banking system’s lending to the real economy, including improving the affordability of loans for both individuals and corporations. The President outlined the task as Chairman of the Board of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB) Piotr Prokopovich presented his report on 14 July, the press service of the head of state told BelTA. Piotr Prokopovich said that the NBRB will...

MINSK, 13 July (BelTA) – Belarus and the International Organization for Migration have managed to establish serious relations, Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Sergei Aleinik noted during his meeting with Director General of the International Organization for Migration William Lacy Swing in Minsk on 13 July. Belarus is the first country that William Swing has visited in his new position. According to the Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus, the visit of the IOM Director General will give...

VITEBSK, 10 July (BelTA) – President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko believes it is necessary to set up boarding schools for gifted children in every oblast. He made the relevant statement on 10 July as he visited the Luzhesno boarding school for talented and gifted children of the Vitebsk oblast. “If there is a need and experience, one should think about setting up similar educational establishments everywhere in Belarus,” said the head of state. The Luzhesno boarding school for...