Lukashenka thanks German ambassador for pragmatism

Alyaksandr Lukashenka noted “significant” contribution of Germany, and in particular the German Ambassador to Belarus Gerbhard Weiss, to “normalization of the relations between Belarus and the European Union”.

“What to Germany and its current ambassador, I can only thank you for your best efforts in the situation. Your mission was aimed at establishing closer ties between our country and your motherland, with the European Union,” Lukashenka noted at a meeting with German Ambassador Gerbhard Weiss, Interfax reports.

The Belarusian ruler said “the ambassadors must to bring countries closer and not to hinder the process here.” “In no case should they dig tranches and build “Berlin walls” between states,” Lukashenka noted. “Unfortunately, sometimes we can see other things,” he added.

“You have always been pragmatic. This pragmatism, this respect for our people deserves great trust,” Lukashenka said.

The ruler said he hopes the efforts of the Ambassador of Germany will be duly rewarded. He would like the new ambassador to be as attentive and understanding about the problems that exist in Belarus today and want to help the country.” “I would like you to produce one result – bringing nations closer,” he said.

Lukashenka told the German ambassador, whose mission in Belarus expires in six months: “You should know you are our friend, you can go to Belarus without any visas in the future.”

In turn, Gebhardt Weiss noted: “we have done a lot and a very important year is ahead of us.” “I believe that if everything is right in the development of the domestic political life in December 2010 (the presidential elections must be held in Belarus not later than early February 2011), opportunities for the full growth of cooperation between the European Union and Belarus will emerge,” Weiss said.