In a Saturday address, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said personnel changes within his administration aim to improve the nation's economic climate.

“I would like to repeat that economy represents our primary concern. It is our primary concern and the top area of responsibility,” Lukashenko said.

This address came after Lukashenko dismissed many high-ranking officials, including the prime minister, head of its central bank, and ministers of economics, education and tax and duties. 

The president said the officials, including new Prime Minister Andrey Kobyakov, who had been chief of staff, will have new ideas and experience to help the economy grow. Belarus' economy has been impacted by Russian markets suffering from falling oil prices and continued sanctions from the West.

Lukashenko stressed the importance of economic expertise in appointing five economists to high-ranking positions: prime minister, first vice premier, minister of the economy, deputy minister of the economy and the head of the country's central bank.