Cooperation between Belarus and Russia is closer than if the countries were part of a single state. This was announced by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, today, November 18, during a meeting with the Governor of the Smolensk Region of the Russian Federation, Vasily Anokhin.
“This is already the governor’s fifth visit to our Belarus. This suggests that in Smolensk they understand that we should be together, develop and help each other. Especially in these difficult times. And we will face any challenge and problem if we are together.” – said.
The Belarusian leader emphasized that “Russia does not look askance at us and does not do unpleasant things to us.”
“On the contrary, he supports us in the most difficult and difficult times. Naturally, we address and treat this accordingly. There are two states, there is a common Homeland. The Russians are not opposed to this. It’s from Brest to Vladivostok. This is our homeland. That says it all. But this did not happen because of us: we have two states: Belarus and Russia. I have never heard the President of Russia say: “Listen, tomorrow we must live in one state!” This has never happened. This is not necessary,” Lukashenko emphasized.
According to him, “our cooperation between Belarus and Russia is closer than if we lived in the same state, pointing at each other.”
“What we need is for us to be united and for no one to be able to drag us in different directions with all kinds of promises and other things, as was the case after the collapse of the Soviet Union.” – stated the Belarusian leader and added that the economy is the basis and foundation of relations.
He also noted that the turnover between Belarus and the Smolensk region must once again reach the level of 5 billion dollars.
“At one point our trade volume was below $5 billion. As I understand it, this is simply Belarus’s gateway to greater Russia. This is fine. We agree with this. how are we with Vladimir Putin He agreed that these three regions should be closely connected with Belarus: Bryansk, Smolensk and Pskov. In addition, Leningrad (St. Petersburg) is located nearby, a city dear and familiar to us, Belarusians. They are ready to cooperate with us in all areas. If necessary, we will work, no matter how difficult it may be, with the Muscovites. They are willing to cooperate with us and buy everything we produce… Listen, God forbid we get through this. But we also work in Sakhalin. In certain areas, technological, etc., in which we have experience, we also work there. All over Russia. But the base is our neighbors. And the fact that we are falling a little bit in terms of commercial turnover, we need to find out what the problem is with the government and work harder to have this $5 billion.” – noted Lukashenko.
Let us remember that Belarus and Russia are building a Union State. Currently, the parties are completing the implementation of 28 union integration programs. Minsk pays special attention to cooperation with Russian regions.
