News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 11 November (BelTA) – The success of Belarus-Russia alliance is attributed to close ties between the regions of the two countries, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on 11 November as he met with Alexander Khudilainen, Head of the Republic of Karelia, the Russian Federation, BelTA has learnt.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that Belarus is always happy to host delegations from Russian regions. “Our interstate alliance is a success due to the support provided by Russian regions. I do not see Belarus-Russia relations without good and very close ties with Russian regions,” the Belarusian leader said.

“If not for direct contacts between regions, we would not succeed in promoting bilateral trade, a political dialogue, cooperation in the humanitarian field and culture. If not for cooperation between regions, Russia and Belarus would not be able to pull through this difficult time of the global crisis. No matter what, the unemployment rate in Russia and Belarus does not make up a quarter of population like is the case in the so-called developed European countries. This is also due to the efforts of Russian regions and our country that have established direct contacts,” the Belarusian President said.

Speaking about the Belarusian diaspora in Russian regions and Karelia, the President noted that all heads of Russian regions say that Belarusians do not cause any trouble. “They always say that they are the same as Russians. They are kind, decent and ready to help. I am glad to hear that Belarusians create a good environment where they live,” Alexander Lukashenko said.