'We are not spongers': Russia may render extra financial aid to Belarus - Finance Minister
Russia may consider offering extra aid to Belarus, Russia’s Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told U.S. Television company CNBS.
“In the case of an emergency, we are ready to consider their request for help,” Siluanov said.
He described the Belarusian economy as ‘closely related’ to that of Russia and stressed the necessity of reforms.
“Together with our Belarusian colleagues, we are currently looking into the situation. We are analysing all the factors that affect the current economic situation in both countries, namely the sanctions and the oil prices fall. We are in negotiations right now,” he added.
Belarus President Aliaksandr Lukashenka also mentioned the possibility of Russia’s granting financial aid to Belarus at Thursday’s press conference in Minsk.
“We would not want to take out more credits. But I have a solid agreement with the President and the Prime Minister of Russia that if it is going to be very hard for us, Russia will lend a helping hand. I have just cited Putin,” Lukashenka said.
“We are not spongers,” Lukashenka said. “Let’s be honest, we are part of Russia’s economy. We use their resources in huge volumes, we import their goods in the amount of $30 bn. We buy their component parts, provide them with jobs, release end products, half of which is sold to the Russian Federation. Is it profitable for Russia? Yes, it is. That is why there is no alternative but to support Belarus if such need arises.”
In 2015 Belarus will try not to increase its liabilities, although it can get another tranche from the EurAsEC Anticrisis Fund loan and a loan from Russia, the president noted.
In 2015 Belarus will face some $4 billion in debt payments. According to Lukashenka, Belarus is not in a pre-default state and can pay off our liabilities.
