OREANDA-NEWS. September 14, 2009. Belarus is ready for close cooperation with Slovak businesses in all sectors – from banks to manufacturing and agribusiness, the press service of the president reported following Lukashenko’s meeting with Miroslav Lajcak, Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“Close cooperation is essential. And we set no specific conditions,” Lukashenko said. “The main thing is for you to find your niche in Belarus despite the fierce competition.”

“We have promoted a strong investment competition. I will not be speaking about the competitive edge we have,” Lukashenko said, adding that Belarus would appear even more attractive in 2010, after a powerful troika of the Customs Union is established.

Lukashenko also said Belarus was distinguished by its scrupulous attitude to businesses. “We always meet our promises – we have an ideal order – we have what is called ‘dictatorship’ in other countries. Businesses like this pattern more than pseudo-democracy,” the president said.

Lajcak said one of the purposes of his visit was to discuss Belarus’ relations with the EU. According to the foreign minister, Slovakia seeks to shape the position of the EU on Belarus. He noted that Belarus’ membership in Eastern Partnership opened up good prospects for bilateral integration.

Lajcak is accompanied by a large delegation of Slovak businesses. “I hope concrete agreements will be reached during the visit,” he said.