Armenian News-NEWS.am presents an interview with Belarus Ambassador to Armenia H.E. Stepan Sukhorenko.

How do you assess the level of bilateral relations?

Relations between the states, in political and economic terms, have been developing steadily over the recent years. In political terms, there are no problems at all, firstly, we entered a single union of the CIS, and secondly we are members of the military-political organization, the CSTO, and finally from January 1 we entered the common customs area, a single Eurasian Economic Union. At the international platforms , our positions coincide completely or are very close. The same is about trade and economy. There has been recently a certain deceleration, but the reason is clear: the economic crisis continues, and it is unclear when it will end. Armenia and Belarus have open economies, and the crisis has a negative impact on purchasing power of the population. We are exporting to Armenia a wide range of goods, including heavy equipment, agricultural equipment, buses, tractors, light industry products. We have also increased the exports of meat and dairy products, as well as high quality vodka. Armenian brandy, juices are known in Belarus. We are also importing jams. I am pleased to note that there are no serious obstacles to the development of relations. Joining the Eurasian Union is an additional impetus for economic development. There will be certain barriers for the competitors, and additional incentives for the participants of the common market. We expect significant growth in turnover dynamics.

What is the extent of trade turnover volume?

The trade turnover volume has increased 16 times over ten years. In 2012 the trade turnover was close to $50 million. Now it is a little lower for the reasons I have named. We believe it is temporary reduction, and plan to reach positive dynamics in the near future.

 Does the tourist flow correspond to relations between the two countries?

It is not corresponding, but is even lower than it is acceptable. We have studied Armenia's potential in this sector, and it is very interesting. There is some data, according to which Armenia is number one in terms of historic monuments per capita in Europe. Armenian authorities are trying to make the country more available to tourists. In the time of developed communication, I do not think that geographical remoteness of Belarus and Armenia are an insurmountable obstacle – just three-hour flight. Many Belarusians are traveling to Australia, Southeast Asia, Thailand. Armenia can present rich history, given that the country had adopted Christianity long before Kievan Rus. I am lucky to work in Armenia, now it is the seventh year of my mission, and I have traveled around the country. Serious work is needed to promote the historical heritage of the country. They are not coming, because it is far away or too expensive. They simply do not know.

Is there any data on the number of Armenians visiting Armenia?

There used to be one Yerevan-Minsk flight per week, then twice a week. Now we have three flights a week, and plan to open the fourth one. Passenger flow is very large. There is also a strong Armenian community in Belarus. We expect that business activeness between our countries will intensify with the accession to Eurasian Economic Union.

What can be attractive in Armenia for Belorussian entrepreneurs?

Armenia and Belarus have complementary economies. Our products do not pose competition to each other, something that is produced in Armenia, is not produced in Belarus and vice versa. But we believe that in the new environment, after joining the Eurasian Union and opening a huge 170- millionth market, our potential can be used effectively. I can name jewelry sector as one of the breakthrough directions. Relevant work is already under way, there is a certain result. First of all we are interested in the creation of joint ventures with high added value. We are also interested in high technology.

In October, a meeting of the Armenian-Belarusian intergovernmental commission was held, and we discussed the export of the goods produced by joint Armenian-Belarusian ventures to foreign markets, especially taking into account Armenia's membership in WTO and the ensuing preferences. Armenia can supply about 9,000 items of goods to the European market on preferential terms. We have no such preferences. This is also a promising area of cooperation. Given the fact that the Armenian government is implementing a program of modernization of agriculture, equipment manufactured in Belarus, in all respects - cost, ease of maintenance, quality - is the most acceptable for Armenian farmers. We can supply the finished product, but there is a better option. We are opening a series of assembly plants. As a result, the unit cost of the product will decrease by 20-30%. There are many areas of cooperation, especially because there is accumulated experience of cooperation.

What about cooperation in the defense sector and within CSTO? Are there any problems? How viable is the organization?

After the collapse of the USSR and creation of the CIS, in the light of current challenges, there is a need in a military and political union. This union is the Collective Security Treaty Organization. For small states like Belarus and Armenia, it is an extremely important organization, because the CSTO Charter includes, for example, protection in the face of external aggression. Practice has shown that both Armenia and Belarus are the most active and consistent members of the organization. To date, the CSTO has established itself as a serious organizations not only in the former Soviet space. This is an authoritative organization in the international arena. As far as I know, there were negotiations with NATO for cooperation in certain areas. First of all, it refers to the fight against international terrorism. The Alliance did not came forward. It is their right. We, the CSTO, are capable of defending ourselves.

What did you manage to see in Armenia?

Quite a lot, I have traveled from east to west, from north to south. I saw monuments, attended the opening of Wings of Tatev aerial tramway, went to Areni cave where ancient shoe was found and traveled to the south. The country is small, but there is great variety in every region. For exampl,e a journey from Sevan to Dilijan: you leave the tunnel and enter another country --  the Armenian "Switzerland". Wherever you go, you will not be bored. And everywhere you can feel the breath of antiquity.

What is your favorite dish from Armenian cuisine?

The most important thing is that Armenians do love serving food. Unless I came to Armenia, I would not have known the taste of real barbecue. Especially prepared in tonir [Armenian-style underground oven] . Interesting dish is ishly kyufta. And, of course, fish cooked over a campfire on the shore of Lake Sevan. The dishes are not something new, but they are prepared with the national style that gives a special flavor.

Your wishes to the people of Armenia and Belarus.

Taking into account the current conditions, I would like to wish Armenia a peaceful sky. To all Armenians, all people around the world. I wish Armenia could be prosperous, you really deserve this.