Semashko: Belarus and Russia are going to renew discussion of roadmaps in autumn

Vladimir Semashko reminded those present that the governments, sector ministries and departments had started working to prepare 30 roadmaps for single and common markets of the Union State. Previously, the parties had fully negotiated 28 roadmaps. They did not manage to reach an agreement on such issues as single currency, single gas market and compensation for the tax maneuver, though.

“If our Russian partners and friends have goodwill, Minsk is ready to get round the table at any moment. I think such a moment will come this September-October when we are to return to the documents which took a lot of intelligence, effort and time to be drawn up. Naturally, it is necessary to review them. It was assumed that they would take effect starting from January 1st, 2021. However, in view of the current situation, these schedules have been rearranged. I believe, though, that having sat down round the negotiating table once again, we will be able to create a regulatory framework and solve problems with these roadmaps as early as January 1st , 2022,” said Vladimir Semashko.

The diplomat expressed hope that when the roadmaps are validated, Belarus will not face difficulties in the Russian market. According to the ambassador, the republic is now facing some barriers and restrictions.

 “For example, we know how much support is given by the Russian government so as to implement the import substitution programmes developed for the country’s industry. More than sixty government decrees and ministerial orders are in force. At the same time, this support does not extend to joint Russian-Belarusian enterprises. Another sensitive issue for the Belarusian side is energy. This year we are again negotiating the price of natural gas for Belarus. We say that its price should differ significantly from the one offered by the Russian side. At the moment, the difference is too big. Prices in a single market should be comparable,” said Vladimir Semashko.

According to the diplomat, at the moment the situation with oil and oil products can be described as a tense one. The tax maneuver implemented by Russia has changed the working conditions of the Belarusian petrochemical complex. Unfortunately, the situation continues to deteriorate. Having settled oil supply issues for the current year, we ran into the problem of the petroleum product turnover. As of this month, the Russian Federation bans the import of petroleum products, including from Belarus.

“Bearing everything in mind, one may wonder: what is integration then? We see the need for equal conditions in trade. I would like to emphasize that we do not ask for preferences, we stand for equal conditions. And then let the competition laws determine the strongest one in the market. We know that any pressing issues can be resolved with reasonable compromises. Now just one thing is required: the spirit of brotherhood which will enable us to preserve and develop unity, find mutually beneficial solutions to common issues,” believes the Belarusian Ambassador to Russia.

Vladimir Semashko also expressed gratitude to the Russian side for the assistance provided when evacuating Belarusians from third countries.

“It was a challenging task taking into account held-up international air traffic. We solved it successfully and continue sorting it out. In my opinion, it is a good example of the concerted effort taken by our countries in extreme situations. It is these principles of brotherhood and mutual assistance that we must form our union on,” concluded the diplomat.