Meeting with Chairman of Russian Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Chairman of the Russian Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin in Minsk on 12 December.

Alexander Bastrykin remarked that he would like to start the meeting with a pleasant ceremony: on behalf of the Russian Investigative Committee he would like to present the medal for Fidelity to Duty to the Belarusian head of state “on the occasion of your anniversary, and in recognition of your efforts and services to the cooperation between the investigative committees of Belarus and Russia.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko said during the meeting that Belarusian and Russian agencies, including investigative bodies, will act together.

“Training of specialists, as always, exchange of experience, support on the international arena and support of our initiatives, and joint actions. You can count on us always. We will act together, no matter what they say, no matter how hard they try to pull us apart. Although it is less about the heads of the Investigative Committees and the departments in general. It is more about  politicians. Nevertheless, everything is politics today. Our agencies cannot be outside politics either. You get in the thick of politics sometimes. You come under fire. We a little less. It seems things are calmer now. But it's a relative calm. Therefore, you can be absolutely sure that you have reliable friends here,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state warmly greeted Alexander Bastrykin. “It would be a shame not to meet while you are in Belarus on a visit. You know my high regard for you. Our views on life are absolutely identical, I would say. There are practically no differences. I hear a lot about you, I see you on TV,” he said. Aleksandr Lukashenko added that in his conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin the name of Alexander Bastrykin pops up when it comes to relevant issues.

“In general, you stay on our radar,” the head of state noted.

“In the positive context, I hope,” Alexander Bastrykin replied.

“Positive indeed. I haven't seen anything bad. There can't be, I guess,” Aleksandr Lukashenko confirmed.

“Thank you, Alexander Grigoriyevich,” Alexander Bastrykin thanked.

In turn, Aleksandr Lukashenko thanked Alexander Bastrykin for being always responsive to requests, including those that may not relate to the Investigative Committee: “I am very grateful for this. Remember that we are ready to respond to you in the kindest way any time. You know, Belarusians do not differ from people who were born in Pskov or Leningrad [Alexander Bastrykin was born in Pskov, then lived and studied in Leningrad]. We believe they all are our people."  Alexander Bastrykin said that he arrived in Belarus to take stock of the work of the two agencies at a joint board meeting. “We do this every year. Indeed, our cooperation is gaining good momentum. We cooperate in a variety of areas,” he pointed out.