Events

MOSCOW, 2 July (BelTA) – Dynamically developing Belarus-Russia relations rely on the principles of alliance and strategic partnership, the press service of the Russian President said in the run-up to his visit to Minsk, BelTA has learned.

Vladimir Putin will attend the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazi invasion and the Independence Day of Belarus. According to the press service, the Russian President will attend the opening ceremony of the new building of the Great Patriotic War Museum and will lay flowers at the Victory Monument. The Russian President is expected to meet with the President of Belarus, the press release of the press service reads.

The heads of state will focus on urgent aspects of the trade and economic cooperation. In 2013 Belarus-Russia trade reached $39.7 billion. It was $43.8 billion in 2012, $38.6 billion in 2011, $27.9 billion in 2010. In January-April 2014 the bilateral trade reduced by 14% to $10.1 billion as against the same period of the previous year.

The sides are expected to discuss the preparation for the ratification of the Eurasian Economic Union Treaty by the national parliaments. The Presidents of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan signed the document in Astana on 29 May. The legislative bodies of the countries are expected to ratify the Treaty by the end of the year. On 1 January 2015 the Eurasian Economic Union will become operational. The union will have a common market with the total population of more than 170 million and the free movement of capitals, goods, services and workforce.

“Foreign policy cooperation between the countries is systematic and diverse. Russia and Belarus have common positions on international issues, closely cooperate in the UNO, other universal and regional organizations. Diplomatic missions maintain close ties in line with the program of concerted actions in the foreign policies of the Union State members. Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin are expected to discuss major issues on the regional agenda, including the regulation of the situation in Ukraine, joint efforts to strengthen the CIS taking into consideration Belarus’ chairmanship in this organization and the CSTO where the Russian Federation holds the chairmanship,” the press service said.

According to the press service, the relations of the Belarusian and Russian governments are increasingly vibrant. Prime ministers Mikhail Myasnikovich and Dmitry Medvedev met in Moscow on 15 April and in Minsk on 30 May. First Vice Premier of Belarus Vladimir Semashko and Vice Premier of Russia Arkady Dvorkovich are committed to promoting integration in the Union State. Russian Vice Premier Dmitry Rogozin visited Minsk on 1 April. Foreign Minister of Russia Sergei Lavrov paid a visit to Belarus on 16 June.

“The Belarusian-Russian integration cooperation in the Customs Union, the Single Economic Space and the Union State is increasingly vibrant,” the press service reminded. The countries implement about 40 economic, defense, social programs and projects which are financed by the Union State budget. In 2014 the budget made up RUB4.87 billion.