Opinions & Interviews

Putin: Belarus-Russia cooperation plans are being implemented at a better pace than expected

Vladimir Putin. Photo courtesy of the press service of the Russian president

ST. PETERSBURG, 23 July (BelTA) – The plans for the development of Belarusian-Russian cooperation are being implemented, at a better pace than expected, Russian President Vladimir Putin said t a meeting with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko in St. Petersburg on 23 July, BelTA has learned.

"Aleksandr Grigorievich, we are meeting today as agreed...", the Russian leader began the protocol part of the meeting.

The Belarusian president remarked: "We agreed on the meeting six months ago."

"It's true. That's right. We agreed about this a long time ago," Vladimir Putin noted. “We are meeting in St. Petersburg today. The weather is good. It is a Sunday afternoon, but we always have something to talk about. At the beginning of the meeting, I would like to note that all our plans are being implemented, even at a better pace than we expected."

The Russian leader noted the good state of the economies of the two countries, the expected economic growth by the end of the year: "I looked at the latest data. The Belarusian economy is expected to grow by 3.7% in 2023. These are the projected figures, but still. Our growth forecasts are a little lower. But this is a good indicator for us too. We expect the growth of more than 2%. Unemployment is low. In general, all the main indicators give us reason to believe that we will pass this year well and will have good growth."

"Our plans in terms of the Union State are being fully implemented. We are moving confidently in all areas. Trade is growing. According to various sources, the data vary a little. According to our data, it is around $43.7 billion, if we speak in dollar terms. According to Belarusian statistics, it is almost $45 billion," the Russian president said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said that the cost of services provided should be into account too.

"You are right," the Russian president concurred.

The presidents also noted the successful operation of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. Its second unit has already been launched this year.

"We have made progress, satisfactory progress, to put it modestly. Of course, we will also talk about security issues in the region. I hope that today and tomorrow we will have the opportunity to discuss all this in an informal setting, in great detail," Vladimir Putin said.

In his opening remarks, Aleksandr Lukashenko touched upon many issues, including the course of the special military operation, the lack of results of Ukraine’s counteroffensive, and NATO's military build-up in Poland. Another important topic is plans for the development of economic cooperation between Belarus and Russia.

"We won't be able to do it in a day. Therefore, we will meet tomorrow. As far as I understand, you will find time for us to talk," the Belarusian president said addressing his counterpart.

"Of course. I changed some of my plans. We can spend one and a half to two days," Vladimir Putin confirmed.

"Great! We will settle these issues in a day and a half. Thank you for finding the time for the meeting we agreed six months ago. Therefore, there is nothing extraordinary here. We have been planning the meeting for a long time. When a need arises, we meet and discuss our tactical and strategic issues," the Belarusian head of state said.

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