Belarus-U.S. oil deal is a political gesture with no economic benefit – Russian expert
<p> MINSK, 15 May - PrimePress. Belarus’ agreement on oil supplies from the U.S. has been a political gesture, and the country will not receive any economic benefits from this cooperation, reckons Kirill Koktysh, Associate Professor of Political Theory at Moscow State University of Foreign Affairs (MGIMO) at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. </p> <p> </p> <p> “It was a political gesture, not an economic one - there is no economic reckoning. The benefit from [oil] trade with Russia at any volume would have been 10-15%," Koktysh told RIA Novosti. </p> <p> </p> <p> In his words, it has been a “tactical” step on the part of Belarus, and there is no strategic rapprochement with the United States. </p> <p> </p> <p> “Both sides proceed from the fact that it should be a “message” for Russia. It is not something else, something on its own. Besides, it fits into the concept of [President of Belarus Alexander] Lukashenko’s election campaign, which will be held under the slogans of “protection of sovereignty” all around,” said Koktysh. </p> <p> </p> <p> According to the statement of the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Washington is ready to meet the energy import needs of Belarus, as well as calls on Belarus to expand access for U.S. companies to its market and implement market reforms. End </p>
2020-05-16
Primepress
Belarus-U.S. oil deal is a political gesture with no economic benefit – Russian expert
MINSK, 15 May - PrimePress. Belarus’ agreement on oil supplies from the U.S. has been a political gesture, and the country will not receive any economic benefits from this cooperation, reckons Kirill Koktysh, Associate Professor of Political Theory at Moscow State University of Foreign Affairs (MGIMO) at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“It was a political gesture, not an economic one - there is no economic reckoning. The benefit from [oil] trade with Russia at any volume would have been 10-15%," Koktysh told RIA Novosti.
In his words, it has been a “tactical” step on the part of Belarus, and there is no strategic rapprochement with the United States.
“Both sides proceed from the fact that it should be a “message” for Russia. It is not something else, something on its own. Besides, it fits into the concept of [President of Belarus Alexander] Lukashenko’s election campaign, which will be held under the slogans of “protection of sovereignty” all around,” said Koktysh.
According to the statement of the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Washington is ready to meet the energy import needs of Belarus, as well as calls on Belarus to expand access for U.S. companies to its market and implement market reforms. End