.Lukashenko seeks to maintain energy cooperation with Japan.

11/11 Tass 241

MINSK, November 11 (Itar-Tass) - Belarusian President Alexander
Lukashenko said he seeks to maintain energy cooperation with Japan.
"Belarus' fuel and energy balance is insufficient. The share of
natural gas is 95 percent. Now prices hike and the dependence on one
energy source poses a certain threat economically and politically that is
why we have to search for new energy sources and attract new partners in
order to solve strategic problems," Lukashenko said in a meeting with
representatives of Japan's company of Mitsubishi on Thursday.
According to Lukashenko, Belarus attaches much significance to
expanding energy cooperation with foreign countries. In his words, after
world experience is thoroughly studied and after the importance of
different energy sources is taken into account, Belarus decides that the
construction of its own nuclear power plant will be the optimal variant in
order to solve the energy problem.
According to the president, the country did much to be ready for the
construction of the nuclear power plant. "We are holding consultations
with the great powers. We held talks with Russian, French and Chinese
companies and we'd like Japan to be involved in this process," Lukashenko
said.
At the same time, he said it was valuable that Japan had studied all
aspects of the problem. According to the president, Belarus praises Japan'
s research and studies on the effects of radiation exposure and
psychological inhibitions. "Our country was the first one that affected
this tragedy. Hundreds of thousands of people were hit by nuclear
bombardments in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We also have these problems,"
Lukashenko said, adding that both countries had achieved much in order to
cope with these consequences.
He noted that Belarus was planning to build coal and water plants, and
facilities with the use of alternative energy sources. "We're planning to
spend big funding in order to ensure the country's energy security. By
knowing Japan's opportunities, we want it to take part in realising these
projects," the president said.
"Mitsubishi is a gigantic economic empire. You should be involved in
the Belarusian market. We are ready to create conditions for correcting
this mistake," the Belarusian president stressed.
-0-yur


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