Łukašenka appoints ex-finance minister as envoy to Russia

January 22, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka has appointed Juryj Sielivierstaŭ, who had served as finance minister since mid-2020, as Belarusian ambassador to Russia, Pul Pervogo, his press office’s unofficial Telegram channel reports.

Sielivierstaŭ replaced Alaksandar Rahožnik, who was dismissed just after 18 months in diplomatic service and was sent to chair the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee on January 15.

Minsk-born Sielivierstaŭ holds degrees from Belarusian State Economic University and the Public Administration Academy. He joined the finance ministry in 2002, rising through the ranks to serve as deputy minister and first deputy minister.

Łukašenka has described Sielivierstaŭ as a “tough, assertive and tireless” person who likes to travel.

“I thought, why shouldn’t such a person work in Russia, where he would need to visit the provinces,” the Belarusian ruler said, stressing the need to expand trade. “You are fully devoted to these issues and know the main problems in Belarusian-Russian relations.”

“The embassy in Russia is not just an embassy. . . It is a second government because it [Russia] is our main market for exports. It is also the primary country that invests in our country and provides support,” Łukašenka added.

Uładzisłaŭ Tatarynovič, former deputy chairman of the National Assembly’s Council of the Republic, will take over as finance minister.  

Economy

Economy

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