Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko on pros of Belarus-Russia cooperation as separate states

MINSK, 18 November (BelTA) – Belarus-Russia cooperation as separate states is closer than what their cooperation would be if they were part of one state, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Russia’s Smolensk Oblast Governor Vasily Anokhin, BelTA has learned.

“This is already the fifth visit of the governor [of Smolensk Oblast] to Belarus. This suggests that Smolensk also understands that we must be together, grow, help each other,  especially in these difficult times. And we will handle any challenges and problems if we are together,” the Belarusian leader noted.

“Russia is very genuine with us. It does not hurt us in any way. On the contrary, it supports us in the most difficult and challenging times. Naturally, we appreciate this. There are two states and a common Fatherland. Russians do not mind this. It is from Brest to Vladivostok. This is our Fatherland. That says it all. But it happened, and this is not our fault, that we ended up having 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. There is no need for this,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“Belarus-Russia cooperation as separate states is closer than what their cooperation would be if they were part of one state, pointing fingers at each other. We need to stay united, so that no one will be able to pull us apart with their promises and other things, as was the case after the collapse of the Soviet Union,” the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that the economy is the core and foundation of the bilateral relations.

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