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Lukashenko details Belarus-Russia advances in microelectronics

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MINSK, 19 December (BelTA) – Belarusian President and Chairman of the Belarusian People’s Congress Aleksandr Lukashenko detailed how Belarus, in cooperation with Russia, has made significant headway in microelectronics as he spoke at the second session of the 7th Belarusian People’s Congress on 19 December, BelTA has learned.

Thanks to joint work with Russia, Belarus has achieved a genuine breakthrough in microelectronics, the head of state stressed. “Through combined manufacturing, we have started making major strides in microelectronics,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The Belarusian president recounted one of his meetings with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, during which the topic of microelectronics was raised. This issue was brought up in light of the sanctions that had been imposed against Russia.

“In Belarus, we, I know for certain, have preserved all microelectronics enterprises. But, primarily, this is our Integral company. I say [to Vladimir Putin]: ‘Let’s figure this out’. He says: ‘We are ready to invest any amount of money, provided this gets our spacecraft and rockets off the ground,’” Aleksandr Lukashenko said providing details of the conversation.

Upon returning to Belarus, the head of state visited an exhibition where representatives of the Integral company were presenting their developments. Aleksandr Lukashenko recounted his dialogue with Vladimir Putin to one of Integral’s designers. “This grown man listened to me and I see him starting to smile for some reason. He takes me by the hand and says: ‘Aleksandr Grigoryevich, please tell your friend and older brother not to worry. Seven nanometers, 90 nanometers - ask him where we can put our nanometers, in which wing of an aircraft or a missile.’ Then very intensive work began,” the president emphasized.

In his words, the Russians began investing in the microelectronics sector, where serious and ambitious tasks were set: “So that everything could be fitted into an aircraft wing and a rocket, so that everything flies, and we feel less dependent on the West.”

The Belarusian leader is confident that this industry must be developed further. “The Americans thought that if they didn’t supply us with these components, we would perish. Neither we, nor Russia did, no one perished. Yes, we have to make an effort. We must deepen and expand this production,” the president said.

The head of state pointed out that after this the self-exiled opposition suggested to the West to impose sanctions against Integral. “They indeed started strangling it more than any other enterprise. Because they understood: if we ensure independence here in missile and aircraft production... And this is essential,” he is convinced. “Had we not preserved these enterprises, there would have been no talk on this topic. It turns out this is in very high demand.”

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