Telephone conversation with Russia President Vladimir Putin

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko talked to President of Russia Vladimir Putin over the phone on 30 December.

Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin exchanged warm New Year greetings and wished mutual prosperity to the brotherly nations of the two countries. The second part of the conversation lasted for over one hour and was dedicated to agreeing specific volumes, deadlines, and prices for supplies of hydrocarbons and other kinds of raw materials.

The heads of state also discussed unresolved items on the current integration agenda.

As a result, the presidents agreed to instruct the governments to organize the work of commercial entities within the next few days in order to secure the conclusion of contracts on oil and natural gas. If they do not manage to resolve the matters by 1 January, the governments will have to come up with intermediate compromise conditions for deliveries of oil and natural gas to Belarus until the presidents make the final decisions. In turn, if necessary, the presidents will meet to discuss and make these decisions after Christmas celebrations in mid-January.