Opinions & Interviews
Putin satisfied with advancement of Belarus-Russia relations
Vladimir Putin. Photo courtesy of the press service of the Russian president
MINSK, 15 September (BelTA) – Mutual relations between Belarus and Russia develop steadily and reliably. President of Russia Vladimir Putin made the statement as he met with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko, BelTA has learned.
Vladimir Putin said at the beginning of the meeting: “You and I continue contacts, consultations about our relations and about interaction, primarily in the sphere of economy. Everything is stable here and develops reliably, thank god.”
He also said that a budget process is nearing completion in Russia: “Everything is stable, reliable for us, which gives us reasons for joy. Why am I saying it? Because (you and I know it well) the state of the Russian economy certainly reflects upon our interaction within the framework of the Union State of Belarus and Russia. We have mutual things, commitments in this regard. It seems to me it is necessary to synchronize watches about some matters.”
Speaking about cooperation in economy, Vladimir Putin made a few remarks about the sanctions introduced by Western countries. “European companies have refused to supply equipment and competencies. Apparently, in the hope that we lack them. We have restored all competencies. Absolutely all of them,” he said. “Huge, world-class enterprises will be commissioned in the very near future.”
Vladimir Putin stressed that former European partners of Russia say that they had been forced to curtail cooperation although they are suffering losses on a huge scale. “Moreover, some large high-tech companies have to reduce staff by 50% or even by 70%. Meanwhile, we are recovering. We are acquiring additional engineering competencies. This is very good,” he pointed out. In his words, there is no doubt that Russia still has something to work on, especially in the field of high technologies, and in many respects this was prompted by the pressure of sanctions.
In addition, Vladimir Putin mentioned his recent meeting with the leader of North Korea, who had visited Russia. “I also wanted to tell you how the discussion about the situation in the region proceeded. It is quite important,” the Russian leader told his Belarusian counterpart.
The Russian president also mentioned his intention to talk to the Belarusian counterpart to discuss the acutest issue – the situation in the direction of Ukraine and around the Ukrainian crisis.
“I am very glad to see you. Thank you for agreeing to come,” he summarized.
In turn, Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned a recent visit of the president of Equatorial Guinea to Belarus: “A very famous person. A sophisticated one. There is also joint work in the African direction.”
“Long story short, it seemed that we had resolved all the issues but they keep piling up, this is why it is necessary to consult in good time,” the Belarusian head of state said while talking about the topicality of the meeting with the Russian president. “I am grateful to you for finding the time to consult and discuss future actions.”
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