Lukashenko Denies Disagreements With Russia, Defends Multi-Vector Policy

MINSK, September 29. /TASS/. Belarus always finds common ground with the Russian leadership, and there are no disagreements between the two countries, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said during a meeting with Alexey Russkikh, the governor of the Ulyanovsk Region.

"Yes, we pursue a multi-vector policy because the economy is the foundation," the BelTA news agency quoted Lukashenko as saying.

"Our interests and vectors are there where our economy lies," Lukashenko said.

He dismissed what he described as criticism of Belarus’ multi-vector policy and suggestions that Minsk was distancing itself from Moscow.

"Besides, I have been working as president for over 30 years. It is not the time for me to start changing vectors. Some have even gone so far as to say that ‘Lukashenko is not an ally.’ Well, that is a matter of opinion. For now - and I believe this will continue - we are finding common ground with the leadership of Russia: both with the President of Russia and with the leaders of major parties. There are no disagreements in our approaches," he said.

"We are patriots; we are ready to defend our fatherland. You must know that there is no backing away here - let alone betrayal - and there never should be. You can see in Ukraine what betrayal results in. We do not want to repeat that fate," Lukashenko added.