Russian President Vladimir Putin to pay official visit to Belarus

President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will discuss the topical issues of the bilateral agenda and prospects of Belarus-Russia cooperation during the official visit of the Russian President to Belarus on 31 May-1 June.

The program of the visit includes one-to-one talks and extended negotiations. The presidents will discuss Belarus-Russia bilateral ties and cooperation within international organizations and unions. Top on the agenda will be cooperation in the Single Economic Space of Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan .

A major focus will be placed on cooperation in trade and economy, investments and nuclear energy. In 2011 the bilateral trade was estimated at $38.6 billion, up by almost 38% compared with 2010. Belarus was Russia’s sixth biggest trading partner.

The heads of state will also discuss military and defense cooperation and ways to enhance collective security, including within the framework of the CSTO.

The presidents will share views on the topical issues of the international and regional agenda and coordinate their foreign policies.

Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin are expected to adopt a joint statement articulating the priorities of interstate cooperation. The parties are set to sign several cooperation agreements.

It is noteworthy that Belarus is the first country Vladimir Putin will visit after his election as Russia’s President. The visit is also timed to the 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between the two states.