28 August, Minsk /Tatyana Polezhay - BELTA/. Belarus and Azerbaijan have outlined prospects for the development of industrial cooperation and expansion of direct supplies. This was agreed upon today by the presidents of the two countries at a meeting in Minsk, BELTA correspondent reports. Alexander Lukashenko noted that Belarus counts on the support of joint ventures, including with their integration into state and industry-specific programmes. The head of the Belarusian state drew attention to the fact that joint ventures established in Azerbaijan have proven themselves well. Today, they produce tractors, trucks and utility vehicles, optical instruments, and LED lighting fixtures. Among the new areas, the production of MAZ wheeled tractors and buses dominates. In 2011, assembly plants accounted for about 40% of Belarusian exports. Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that the current meeting will be another significant stage in bilateral relations and will allow for the outlining of new areas of cooperation. "I think that if we continue to advance our relations at this pace, our neighbours will have reason to envy us," said Alexander Lukashenko.

BELTA