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Lukashenko wants close attention paid to formation of common markets with Russia

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MINSK, 18 December (BelTA) – The government and the parliament should pay close attention to systemic work with Russians on forming common industry-specific markets. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement in his address to the nation and the parliament on 18 December, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “The Russian Federation is our main ally. Matters concerning the construction of our Union State [of Belarus and Russia] are a number one priority. We will do everything to make our union strong. Putin and I will go away. Young people will come. But they need to have a foundation on which they will build this union.”

The head of state believes that the government and the parliament should pay close attention to systemic work with Russians on forming common industry-specific markets. “We are not foreigners for Russia and they are not foreigners or strangers for us,” the Belarusian leader stated.

The president made a few remarks about cooperation within the framework of integration associations in the post-Soviet space. In his words, Belarus’ presidency over the Eurasian Economic Union gave an opportunity to draw attention to the agenda of this organization and to shake it up well. The Eurasian Economic Union turned ten years last year. Today they are talking about a two-time increase in trade turnover between the Eurasian Economic Union member states, about a nearly 18% increase in the GDP, and about a 30% increase in the industrial output. “That’s sanctions for you,” the head of state remarked.

The next year will mark 35 years since the foundation of the Commonwealth of Independent States. According to the president, it is a good platform for discussing prospects.

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