OREANDA-NEWS. April 04, 2013. The current state and prospects of developing the Belarusian-Ukrainian relations were discussed at the meeting of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Ukraine Valentin Velichko.

“I would like you to tell me about the situation in Ukraine, about the problems which exist today in our relations. It is very important for us. This is a very close country for us. Our trade with Ukraine is very good. Yet we have a number of pending issues, including border issues and Ukraine’s old debts to Belarus. Although they are small we have to deal with the issue. What is the state of affairs here?” the head of state asked.

“Perhaps, the President of Ukraine and I will have to discuss these matters in the near future,” Alexander Lukashenko added.

Valentin Velichko informed the President about the progress in the development of Belarus-Ukraine relations, including within the framework of current integration processes and possible involvement of Ukraine in them.

The Ambassador pointed out vigorous development of trade and economic cooperation. In 2012 Belarus posted the fourth highest volume of trade with Ukraine after Russia, China and Germany. The trade turnover exceeded USD 7.8 billion. The trade surplus totalled USD 3.2 billion.