Opinions & Interviews

SOCHI, 18 September (BelTA) – The Belarusian state values the relations with Russian regions, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Russia President Vladimir Putin on 18 September, BelTA has learned.

“Our state and I personally value the relations between Belarusian and Russian regions, between regions and Belarus,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

The President noted that Belarus and Russia keep an eye on all issues in the bilateral relations and value positive moments. “Of course, we understand what is going on around us. We also have to deal with a number of issues, therefore we gather together at such events (the forum of regions of Belarus and Russia. – BelTA’s note),” Alexander Lukashenko continued. The Belarusian leader reminded that when Russian governors arrive in Belarus they always meet with the Belarusian head of state to discuss current issues. “We can do all we need together,” he said.

“I always thank Russian regions. Some time ago Russian regions saved our Belarusian-Russian relations. If we had not maintained cooperation with them, it would have been very hard to retain the relations which we had had in the Soviet Union. That was a very difficult period of time after the collapse of the Soviet Union,” the Belarusian leader reminded.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the trade turnover of Belarus and a number of Russian regions is even higher than Belarus’ trade with certain states. “Russia accounts for about 50% of Belarus’ trade. Therefore, our relations are especially significant,” the Belarusian head of state stressed.

Speaking about the forum of Belarusian and Russian regions, Alexander Lukashenko noted that this event is in the spotlight. Alexander Lukashenko thanked Vladimir Putin and governors for a well-organized event and expressed confidence that it will be a traditional one.