Opinions & Interviews
Press secretary refutes allegations, reveals what Lukashenko, Putin really talked about
MINSK, 14 July (BelTA) – Press Secretary of the Belarus President Natalya Eismont has made a comment for the interstate television and radio company Mir in order to reveal what Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and President of Russia Vladimir Putin really talked about as they met in St Petersburg on 13 July. In her words, various things were discussed starting with cooperation in economy and finance and ending with transport and logistics, fight against the pandemic, and several international topics. Among other things the governments of the two countries were instructed to work out a joint plan to counteract Western sanctions, BelTA has learned.
Contemplations in mass media
The press secretary said: “For starters I’d like to address all kinds of contemplations that mass media traditionally indulge in. In particular, some claim that yesterday’s meeting of the presidents of Belarus and Russia was unscheduled and organized on a short notice. I’d like to note that the heads of state scheduled this meeting during a phone conversation back on 1 July. The Belarus president’s letter sent to the Russian president to discuss economy and finance as well as the counteraction of the sanction-based policy of the collective West against Belarus and Russia was one of the reason for arranging the meeting and shaping its agenda.”
“The presidents had to discuss a joint plan of action in this situation. During that phone conversation Vladimir Putin suggested meeting in St Petersburg,” Natalya Eismont added.
In her words, during the meeting the presidents touched upon the entire spectrum of matters, which can be separated into several topics.
Economy and finance, counteraction of sanctions
The press secretary said: “The governments have been instructed to work out and adopt an action plan on counteracting the sanctions.”
The removal of the remaining barriers standing in the way of shipments of Belarusian products was discussed, including as part of government procurement contracts.
“Belarusian banks will get the necessary volumes of resources as support for foreign trade operations,” Natalya Eismont said.
Uninterrupted deliveries of hydrocarbon raw materials to Belarus were also discussed. “Next year’s price for natural gas will not be higher than this year’s. The final price will be set by the end of the year,” Natalya Eismont said.
She remarked that other matters concerning economic cooperation had also been discussed.
Integration, Union State programs
Natalya Eismont said work had been finished on Union State programs on harmonizing tax legislation and on interaction in customs affairs. “A solution was found regarding the tax maneuver in Russia in the area of oil refining for the sake of compensating for Belarus’ losses from this tax maneuver,” she stated.
Security and defense, counterterrorism efforts, cyber security
Natalya Eismont said that Belarus and Russia have absolutely the same approaches to these matters. “Mutual support and an agreement to work together,” the official said as she summed up results of the negotiations of Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin.
Routine matters, including the autumn session of the Supreme State Council
“As for routine matters one can mention the forthcoming autumn session of the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Belarus and Russia. Final decisions on a number of matters, which were discussed yesterday, may be made during that session. The heads of state have already discussed the rough agenda of the forthcoming session,” Natalya Eismont said.
Transport and logistics
The press secretary stated that these matters are of pressing interest. In her words, Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin discussed matters starting with the resumption of transport service between the countries and ending with more frequent flights of the Belarusian air carrier Belavia to Moscow, St Petersburg, Sochi, and other Russian cities.
The pandemic
Natalya Eismont said: “The presidents also discussed the counteraction of COVID-19, progress of the vaccination campaign and the epidemic situation as a whole.”
The international agenda
According to Natalya Eismont, Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin talked about the international agenda, including the Western policy towards Belarus and Russia, in particular, the policy of the European Union and the USA. Ukraine was mentioned, in particular, the increased NATO military presence in the country. The organization of large-scale military exercises and NATO’s plans to build military bases were discussed.
Apart from that, the presidents discussed how the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) member states can counteract threats in Central Asia due to the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
“On the whole, yesterday’s conversation lasted for more than five hours. All kinds of topics were discussed. The presidents discussed all the matters of mutual interest,” Natalya Eismont concluded.
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