First tanker with 80,000 tonnes of crude for Belarus expected to arrive in Klaipeda in early June

<p> MINSK, May 15 – PrimePress. The first tanker with 80,000 tonnes of Bakken crude oil from the United States will arrive in Klaipeda (Lithuania) in early June, according to official statements made by Belarus Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on May 15. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Pompeo’s statement has been published on the official web site of the US Department of State: “This week, the first shipment of U.S. crude oil will depart for Belarus.  This competitive deal, by U.S. energy trader United Energy Trading, with the assistance of U.S. firm Getka and their Polish partner UNIMOT, strengthens Belarusian sovereignty and independence, demonstrates that the United States is ready to deliver trade opportunities for American companies interested in entering the Belarusian market, and fulfills the commitment the United States made to Belarus in February with government leaders in Minsk.” </p> <p>   </p> <p> Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey: “The delivery of oil from the U.S. to Belarus became possible as a result of the agreements reached during the visit to Belarus of the U.S. Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, and his meeting with the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko… Delivery of American oil is part of the state strategy to diversify sources (supply) and secure steady functioning of the oil processing complex of Belarus in 2020 and subsequent years.” </p> <p>   </p> <p> Makey emphasized that Belarus considers cooperation with the U.S. in the oil sector as a core element of energy security of the state; a crucial part of trade and investment engagement being developed by the parties and possessing a significant potential; a factor consolidating economic sovereignty of our country.  </p> <p>   </p> <p> “Belarus will continue taking steps in order to strengthen partnership relations with the U.S. We are confident that they contribute to a common endeavor to bridge contradictions in the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian region.” </p> <p>   </p> <p> Press secretary of Belneftekhim concern Alexander Tishchenko confirmed on May 15 that the first tanker with 80 thousand tonnes of Bakken oil will be dispatched from the port of Beaumont (Texas, USA) on May 17 and arrive in Klaipeda in early June. Then it will be delivered by rail for processing to Naftan OJSC (Novopolotsk, Vitebsk Oblast). </p> <p>   </p> <p> U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo paid a visit to Belarus on Feb 1, 2020 to hold talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Following the meeting with Lukashenko, Pompeo assured that U.S. energy producers stood ready to deliver 100% of the oil Belarus needs at competitive prices. All Minsk had to do, according to Pompeo, was to forward a relevant request to the U.S. authorities. </p> <p>   </p> <p> A month later, in March, Lukashenko said the US could provide cheap loans for the construction of a pipeline from the Baltic Sea to Belarus. Lukashenko claims he discussed the issue with Pompeo during the U.S. Secretary of State’s visit to Minsk. End </p>

2020-05-16

Primepress