News & Events in Belarus

Lukashenko meets with Russian Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov

MINSK, 10 August (BelTA) - Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Gennady Zyuganov, the Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Russia, the leader of the CPRF faction in the State Duma, BelTA has learned.

“I have been very much looking forward to this meeting. We have much to discuss, to share some thoughts, sentiments, and doubts (unfortunately, we still have those as well). I am glad to see you,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said welcoming Gennady Zyuganov.

The Belarusian head of state and the leader of the Russian Communist Party discussed a wide range of issues, from agriculture to the Belarusian president’s recent trips to Russia and China. “I followed very closely the news of your meeting with Putin at Valdai and then your trip to China to see our mutual friend Xi Jinping,” Gennady Zyuganov said. “You did an excellent job in the field of mechanical engineering, which is extremely important. You have a lot to show [in this area].”

Gennady Zyuganov noted that he had recently visited Oryol Oblast where he had seen fields sown with a wheat variety called Zyuganovka. This variety is known for its exceptionally high yields.

“Will you share the seeds?” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked. According to Gennady Zyuganov, this wheat variety has already been sown on 500 hectares in Brest Oblast. He had asked the regional governor not to mention it to the head of state as he wanted to share the news personally during their meeting.

The leader of the CPRF conveyed to the Belarusian president greetings from member of the State Duma Nikolai Kharitonov, who has known Aleksandr Lukashenko for many years. “I have your first presidential program, I don’t show it to anyone. Mr Kharitonov has that very napkin on which you and Yeltsin signed your names in the Palace of the Facets [of the Kremlin],” Gennady Zyuganov said.

“That did happen, indeed,” Aleksandr Lukashenko replied with a smile.

This refers to an episode connected with the Union State Treaty, which was signed on 2 April 1997. At the time, Nikolai Kharitonov approached the heads of state with a napkin and suggested: “If you’re for the union, then sign it.”

“I told him: ‘Nikolai, don’t give it to anyone. Any museum would pay you a fortune for that napkin,” the CPRF leader added.

He also recalled Aleksandr Lukashenko’s address to the State Duma in 1999. “You delivered a brilliant speech and convinced us that Slavic brotherhood would be restored and our shattered ties rebuilt. We are grateful to you. You set an example for everyone with your courage and your truly remarkable address,” Gennady Zyuganov emphasized.