Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko comments on outcomes of talks with Putin on Valaam

MINSK, 29 July (BelTA) – We have found mutual understanding on all issues, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he commented on the talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the island of Valaam during a meeting on international issues in Minsk on 29 July, BelTA has learned.

The president emphasized that his job is to build a solid foundation for relations with Russia, resolve both strategic matters and also tactical issues. The government is tasked with developing cooperation and negotiating on various aspects.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that there were three main issues that remained unresolved at the government level and that were discussed at the meeting with the Russian president: a new oil pricing formula, recycling fee and prepayment for oil. “As is usually the case, you have left some issues unresolved together with the Russian government: the oil formula (new pricing formula), the recycling fee and the prepayment for oil,” the president said as he addressed the participants of the meeting.

“We have discussed all these issues with President Putin. We have agreed that today or tomorrow (depending on how you prepare it) I will send him a written message, a letter, outlining our position on these three issues,” the head of state explained.

As for the prepayment for oil, which is mainly supplied to Belarus by Rosneft, the Russian president got even frustrated with this issue. “What kind of prepayment? We have been working without prepayment all our lives and we can continue to work this way,” the Belarusian leader shared the reaction of his Russian colleague.

Security issues were central to the agenda of the talks. “These issues are not discussed in public,” the president noted. “All security, law enforcement and defense agencies and ministers are involved, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - on certain issues.”

“This is the essence of these negotiations. I emphasize once again: mutual understanding has been found on all issues. We are on board with each other on all issues,” the head of state summarized.

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