MINSK, 29 March (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko thanked the World Bank (WB) for the assistance and support in the implementation of important projects as he met with WB Senior Vice President for Operations Kyle Peters on 29 March, BelTA has learned.

“It is very good that we cooperate with each other. And, perhaps, you don't have many claims against us,” the head of state said. “Together we have implemented an ambitious program, and today we are working out a new plan, a new cooperation strategy. It means that we have found common ground.”

“The main thing is that thanks to your actions in Belarus you give us an alternative,” Alexander Lukashenko added. “Your work in Belarus makes it possible to rely not only on one or two sources of support for our economy, social projects, budget, but also on the very strong support of the World Bank. I am really grateful to you for that,” the head of state stressed. In his words, when there are no alternatives, no choices, it is very difficult to build economic relations inside and to develop the social policy. “When there are choices and alternatives, there are more opportunities for success,” the President is convinced.

The World Bank has invested more than $1.6 billion in important projects in Belarus so far. “Now we have a program worth almost $1 billion,” Alexander Lukashenko remarked. He assured that Belarus will continue to fulfill all agreements and promises.